Intimate Images Unlawful Distribution Act Introduced By Provincial Government

The province has introduced the Intimate Images Unlawful Distribution Act.

If the act passes, it would create liability for the distribution, or threatened distribution, of intimate images without the consent of the person depicted in the image and provides remedies for the victims.

“This legislation will send the important message that, regardless of motive or method, there is no justification for sharing a private intimate image of a person without their consent, and there will be consequences for doing so,” said Hugh J. Flemming, justice and public safety minister and attorney general in a release.

The legislation would allow that consent can be revoked and would provide a publication ban on the identity of the victim when they begin court proceedings.

It would provide ways to obtain relief by, allowing victims to be able to apply to the court, on an expedited basis, for an order to have the intimate image destroyed and taken down from internet platforms.

As well, on finding fault, the court could also award a larger array of damages, including general, special, aggravated, and punitive damages.