In their effort to try and deal with the issue of revenge porn on the rise officials in B.C. are looking at legislation to combat the issue.

The B.C. government is considering a law that would bring new options to those who are victimized in cases of revenge porn.

Each year authorities might see hundreds if not thousands of cases involving revenge porn. Previously, Canada passed legislation that criminalized the unauthorized distribution of such material, like nude photos or videos etc, but is that enough? Is more oversight needed in B.C. now too?

This act is something already punished under the Criminal Code but they’re seeking further provincial ruling now in B.C. on the matter too and B.C. isn’t the first province to do it.

They are seeking feedback from the public now too. Ultimately, the plan is for new legislation to provide more tools to victims to try and protect themselves or receive compensation for example.

Since 2021 the amount of youth reporting incidents of non-consensual disclosure of intimate images has reportedly grown more than 90 per cent. Those who are trying to bring solutions to the table have suggested that this will be an opportunity to create legislation that can provide victims with an avenue for justice and to seek recourse over wrongdoing.

Other areas of Canada have also considered similar legislation to this, like Newfoundland and Labrador, Alberta, Manitoba, and others.

Not only could this new legislation they are considering apply to the case of revenge porn but it might also apply to the use of deep fakes as well.

Have Your Voice Heard On This Matter

Members of the public have been encouraged to take part in the discussion and submit their views on the subject, they can do so by emailing imageprivacy@gov.bc.ca and this will be ongoing until June 2021.

Other efforts across the country have been successful already in their attempts to pass this legislation and so we should expect that we might also see the same success here in B.C. too.