Thursday, March 28, 2024

BC government considering legislation on ‘revenge porn’ to help victims

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The provincial government is consulting on possible legislation that will address non-consensual distribution of intimate images, also known as revenge porn.

Currently, the publication of intimate images without consent is an offence under Canada’s Criminal Code.

The province said that the potential provincial legislation could provide additional tools for people to protect themselves and seek recourse.

Consultations with stakeholder groups are ongoing until June 2021. Members of the public can also submit their views by emailing submissions to this email.

The scope of the legislation could also apply to altered images, known as “deep fakes.”

According to Cybertip.ca, reported incidents of non-consensual disclosure of intimate images increased 58% by the start of 2021, compared to the nine-month period prior to April 1st, 2020. This included a 94% increase in youth reporting and a 44% increase in adults reporting.

Revenge porn is a relatively new crime which can have devastating effects including suicide, career-ending complications, and victim-blaming.

“Provincial legislation could provide a new option to ensure people have an efficient way to have posted images taken down and destroyed. It could also create a new process for people to claim compensation from wrongdoers,” said the province.

Grace Lore, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity, will lead the consultation on behalf of David Eby, Attorney General.

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