BC Gov News
People who had their intimate images shared without their consent will have access to higher compensation and better privacy protections while navigating the justice process with the introduction of amendments to the Intimate Images Protection Act (IIPA).
“The IIPA has already proven to be an effective platform to help victims of sexualized violence get the justice they deserve,” said Niki Sharma, Attorney General. “To further strengthen the law, these amendments will allow cabinet to raise the ceiling on fines, and I intend to recommend it be set at $75,000, 14 times higher than the current limit. This will send a strong message to would-be offenders – sharing intimate images without consent is unacceptable in B.C. and will have serious consequences.”
The IIPA helps people who had their intimate images shared without their consent access the justice they need without going through lengthy or costly court processes. Through the IIPA, people can apply online to the Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) to get their intimate images off the internet, stop their distribution and seek monetary compensation from the person, social media company or website that shared the image.
If passed, the new amendments propose a substantial increase to the current $5,000 maximum monetary damage amount a victim is eligible to receive through a CRT order. The attorney general has directed ministry staff to explore setting the maximum value at $75,000, though that amount will be determined through regulations later in the legislative process.
“In the two years since it was enacted, the Intimate Images Protection Act has been an important step for survivors to take back control of their privacy and seek safety and justice,” said Ninu Kang, executive director, Ending Violence Association of BC. “These amendments acknowledge the serious nature of this crime and provide survivors more options for resources and support.”
The amendments will also make CRT orders more precise, flexible and enforceable, and will remove the requirement that the CRT publish damage decisions online to better protect the privacy of victims.
“This type of sexualized violence can isolate people, cause intense shame and helplessness and lead to long-term trauma,” said Jennifer Blatherwick, parliamentary secretary for gender equity. “Young people and women are among the most likely to have their intimate images shared against their will or be extorted with threats to do so. These new changes will give them more options to decide what justice looks like and help them regain autonomy over their digital presence and repair the damage to their sense of safety.”
The IIPA is part of Safe and supported: gender-based violence action plan and Safer Communities Action Plan, two of government’s key initiatives to build stronger, safer communities in B.C.
It builds on B.C.’s nation-leading advocacy for stronger protections for victims of intimate-partner and gender-based violence through reforms to the Criminal Code of Canada and bail system, as well as work underway on the Stanton recommendations to improve how B.C.’s legal systems treat intimate-partner and sexual violence and people affected by it.
Learn More:
Anyone affected by intimate-image abuse, threats or “sextortion” is urged to seek the support of the CRT and IIPS: https://takebackyourimages.gov.bc.ca/
To read about supports available for survivors of gender-based violence, sexual assault or domestic violence, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/public-safety/domestic-violence
For information about mental-health and addictions resources, including resources specifically for youth, visit: www.helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca
To learn more about the Intimate Images Protection Act, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/30208
For more information about B.C. legislation, visit: https://workingforyou.gov.bc.ca/legislation
A backgrounder follows.