The Intimate Images Protection Act (IIPA) came into force on January 29, 2024. It gives the Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) authority to resolve claims about non-consensual sharing of intimate images.
Under the IIPA, the CRT can issue protection orders that require an intimate image be deleted, de-indexed, and/or removed from a website or social media platform. If a person or internet platform doesn’t comply with a protection order, the applicant can ask the CRT to order an administrative penalty. Administrative penalties are a type of fine and are payable to the government. The CRT can also award damages. See more about claims for damages below.
On March 18, 2026 certain changes to the IIPA came into effect. See the BC Government news release.
Claims for damages
Damages are money you want a person or company to pay for the harm their sharing or threats caused you, or to punish them. The maximum amount that the CRT can order in an intimate images damages claim has increased from $5,000 to $75,000.
Other changes now in effect
Under the changes:
- The CRT does not have to publish decisions about damages. Learn about protecting privacy in intimate image claims
- The CRT can change an intimate image protection order when needed
Changes to the IIPA also:
- Clarify what information can be included in a protection order
- Clarify timelines for applying penalties when someone doesn’t comply with a protection order
- Allow the Intimate Images Protection Service to collect specific personal information needed to provide services
For more information about intimate image claims, see our Intimate Images FAQs.