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Intimate Images

Intimate images

Claims about an intimate image of you being shared without your consent.

In British Columbia, it’s against the law to share or threaten to share an intimate image of someone without their consent. If the sharing or threat happened on or after March 6, 2023, you could:

  • Make a claim for an intimate image protection order. This type of “take-down” order is meant to make someone delete the image, or stop them from sharing or threatening to share it. It’s a legal order that they have to follow or else they’re breaking the law.
  • Make a claim 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. This money is payable to you.
  • Make a claim for a penalty if someone doesn’t comply with an intimate image protection order. This penalty is payable to the BC government, not to you or the CRT.

Explore your options and make a claim

Use our “Solution Explorer”. It’s free and anonymous. It asks you simple questions and gives you customized legal information and options based on your answers. It also has self-help tools and referrals that might help you resolve your issue on your own.

It will also give you the right application form for your situation.

Explore and apply: intimate images
Continue a saved exploration

If you need support and help

Intimate Images Protection Service
The BC government's Intimate Images Protection Service offers emotional support, general information and referrals. They may also be able to help you with the CRT process and sending intimate image protection orders. If you’re under 19, they might need you to have a parent or guardian involved when you use their services, but they won’t contact your parent or guardian without your permission. Call them toll-free at 1-833-688-4381.
Society for Children & Youth BC
Society for Children & Youth BC offers legal support if you’re under 19 for problems related to family law, child protection, a breach of your human rights and many other legal issues. Call them toll-free at 1-877-462-0037.
VictimLinkBC
VictimLinkBC is available 24/7 for confidential, multilingual service across BC and the Yukon. Call or text them toll-free at 1-800-563-0808.

Frequently asked questions

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About intimate images

What is an intimate image?

In British Columbia, there is a law called the Intimate Images Protection Act (IIPA). This law says an image, video or livestream is “intimate” if it looks like you are: 

  • Nude or nearly nude, or 
  • Engaging in a sexual act, or 
  • Exposing your genital organs, anal region, or breasts 

The image, video, or livestream: 

  • Doesn't have to show your face or be recognizable as you 
  • Can be real or altered 

This could include situations like: 

  • Images taken in a sexual context, like a selfie or a sex tape 
  • Images of sexual activity, but not nude or nearly nude 
  • Images taken in a non-sexual context, like a bathroom 
  • Upskirt pics or hidden cameras
  • Altered images that look like you, like a realistic Photoshop or deepfake
What does it mean for an intimate image to be shared without my consent?

If someone shares your intimate image with others and you didn’t agree to that, it’s a violation of your privacy. And in British Columbia, it's against the law under the Intimate Images Protection Act. It may also be a criminal offence under the Criminal Code of Canada.

What happened to you isn’t your fault. Unfortunately, many people have intimate images of themselves shared without their consent. For example: 

  • Someone you’re in a relationship with shared or threatened to share an intimate image of you 
  • “Sextortion” where someone makes demands and says if you don’t obey, they’ll send your intimate image to someone or post it online 
  • Being pressured or bullied in some other way into taking an intimate image
  • Finding intimate images of yourself online that you didn’t upload yourself 
What if someone has my image but hasn't shared it? Can the CRT make them destroy it?

You can only make a CRT claim if someone shared the intimate image without your consent, or threatened to share it.

The CRT can't help if someone just has a copy of an intimate image of you but hasn't shared it or threatened to share it.

What if I don’t know who has my image or is threatening to share it?

You can make a protection order claim even if you don’t know the identity of the person who shared or threatened to share the intimate image. The CRT can make a protection order even if you don’t make the claim against any specific person or company.

But if you don’t know who has your image or is threatening to share it, it might be difficult for you to send them the CRT order. And if you want to ask later for an administrative penalty against someone for not complying with the CRT order, you must name them in the penalty application.

If they posted the image to a website or social media platform, the CRT could issue an order requiring that website or platform to remove the image, and delete, de-index or destroy it.

About the CRT and how we can help

Is the CRT the same as a court or the police?

The CRT is an administrative tribunal. It’s a civil law process, not a criminal one. We don't investigate or make criminal charges, or contact someone for you and tell them to take down your intimate image.

But our legal orders are enforceable in court, just like court orders. And if someone doesn’t comply with a CRT protection order, you can ask the CRT to order them to pay an administrative penalty. 

What kinds of orders can the CRT make?

The Intimate Images Protection Act (IIPA) was brought into force on January 29, 2024. It gives the Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) jurisdiction 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, you can ask the CRT to order an administrative penalty. Administrative penalties are payable to government.

You can also ask the CRT to order someone pay compensation (known as "damages") of up to $5,000.

Who makes a decision about the claim?

CRT decision makers are called tribunal members. They make decisions and orders about legal claims. They are independent legal experts, and are appointed based on their qualifications and experience.

Tribunal members make decisions and orders based on the law, and the evidence and arguments from the participants in the claim. 

Can I make a claim in court instead of at the CRT?

You can make a claim for an intimate image protection order at either the CRT or the BC Supreme Court.

You can make a claim for damages (compensation) at the CRT for up to $5,000, at the BC Provincial Court for $5,000 - $35,000, or at the BC Supreme Court for any amount. But if you make a CRT claim for damages, you abandon your right to a claim for any amount over $5,000.

You can make a claim for an administrative penalty only at the CRT, not a court.

What options are there other than the CRT?

The CRT is only one option if someone shared or threatened to share an intimate image of you without your consent.

There are other options, and you don’t have to choose just one. For example, you may want to file a police report, talk to your school counsellor, or talk to your Human Resources department at work.

Intimate Images Protection Service offers emotional support, general information and referrals to other services that could help you get your image taken down. If you’re under 19, they might need you to have a parent or guardian involved when you use their services, but they won’t contact your parent or guardian without your permission. Call them toll-free at 1-833-688-4381.

Society for Children & Youth BC offers legal support if you’re under 19 for problems related to family law, child protection, a breach of your human rights and many other legal issues. Call them toll-free at 1-877-462-0037.

Safety and privacy

How will the CRT communicate with me?

We will communicate with you by email, phone, and/or text. Our application and response forms ask which methods you prefer.

If you don’t have a safe phone number or email address, contact the BC government’s Intimate Images Protection Service. They can also help you create a safety plan for communication.

Our application and response forms ask for safe ways and times to contact you. You can even give us a code phrase to use when calling or leaving messages for you, like “Maria from school” or “Sam from work” so nobody will know it’s the CRT.

If you’re under age 19, see our FAQ section “For people under 19” for more information.

How will the CRT protect my intimate image?

For your privacy, we have rules about who can see your image. Usually, only the tribunal member who makes the decision will see it. But in some cases, CRT staff could see the image – for example, if you need our help uploading it. If you have concerns about this, discuss it with your CRT case manager after you apply.

If you make your claim against someone, they will be able to see the image, because they have the right to know what the claim is about and what your evidence is.

We won’t share your image with anyone who isn’t participating in the claim, or someone you sent a protection order to, unless the court orders us to share it.

But if you send someone a CRT order and they ask to cancel the order, a tribunal member will decide if that person needs to see the image.

How will the CRT protect my personal information?

We need your contact information to communicate with you while we deal with your claim. But we won’t share your contact information with anyone outside the CRT, unless you give us permission or a tribunal member or the court orders us to share it.

Can I ask for a particular gender for a CRT case manager or tribunal member?

Our application form asks if you have a preference. We will try our best to assign a case manager or tribunal member according to your preference. But you can’t choose a particular person.

Will the decision and order be made public?

When we issue the decision in protection order and damages claims, we must order a publication ban so that nobody can publish the applicant’s name, or other information likely to identify them.

We must also order a publication ban for any minor respondent or if there are other reasons to protect the respondent’s identity.

A tribunal member may also order a publication ban for administrative penalty claims.

If you’re an adult applicant, you can ask the CRT not to order a publication ban. You can discuss this with your case manager. The tribunal member would also need to agree that a publication ban isn’t needed to protect your identity.

A publication ban covers anything that could make details of the decision public, including posting online or to social media.

If a decision is published, we will anonymize your name or other personal identifying information.

About making a claim

Is there a time limit for making a claim?

If you have a legal claim that can go to a court or the CRT, the claim usually has to be started within a set period of time. After this time runs out, a court or the CRT must refuse your claim, no matter how strong your case would have been.

The time limit is called a “limitation period.” It’s like a countdown. Under the Limitation Act, the limitation period is usually 2 years. There are exceptions if you’re under age 19.

The limitation period doesn’t stop while you’re using the Solution Explorer. It only stops once you submit a claim application form.

Do I have to pay to make a CRT claim?

There are no CRT fees for intimate image protection order claims and administrative penalty claims.

But there are application and other fees if you want to make a claim for damages. Damages are money you want a person or company to pay you for the harm their sharing (or threats) caused you.

What information do I have to give to make a claim?

The application form asks for your contact information, how and when it’s safe for us to contact you, and what you want the CRT to order in your claim.

You also need to give us evidence to support your claim. This usually includes the image, if you have it.

If you don’t have the image or video, you can still apply for a CRT claim. You can give us other information about the image, and when and how it was shared or threatened to be shared. That could include text messages, screenshots, or statements from people who saw the image online or that it caused you harm.

It will be up to the tribunal member to decide if they should issue an order based on the evidence you gave.

Why do you ask for my pronouns and demographic information?

Inclusivity and accessibility are core values at the CRT. Our claim application and response forms ask for your pronouns and titles, so we can address you respectfully.

We aim to use gender-inclusive language in all CRT communications, including tribunal decisions.

Can I have a friend, relative, lawyer, or another adult help me with my claim?

A helper is someone who supports a person going through the CRT process. A helper can’t speak to the CRT for you, but they can give you moral, emotional, or technical support. A helper could be someone like a trusted friend, family member, or someone from the community. You don’t need to tell us if you have a helper.

A representative is someone who has authority to speak to the CRT on your behalf. This could be a lawyer, or another trusted adult. You must tell us if you want someone to represent you. Whether you’re allowed to be represented, and by who, depends on your type of CRT claim.

If you’re under 19, see our “For people under 19” FAQ section for more details.

If I make a claim, do I have to talk to the person who shared my image?

It depends. If you make a claim against a specific person or company, they will be given an opportunity to respond to your claim and see your evidence.

But if you make a protection order claim that’s not against any specific person or company, you won't need to talk to the person who shared or threatened to share the image. You will have to send them the order if you want them to take the image down or stop sharing it, though.

If I make a claim against someone, what will happen to them?

If you make a CRT claim against someone, they will be told about the claim and given an opportunity to respond. They’ll also be allowed to give evidence and say why they think the CRT shouldn’t issue the order you asked for.

The claim could result in an order being made against them. For example, they might be ordered to delete, de-index or destroy the image, or to stop threatening to share it. They may also be ordered to pay you up to $5,000, if you made a claim for compensation (known as "damages") against them.

If someone doesn’t comply with a protection order, you can ask the CRT to order an administrative penalty. Penalties are payable to government, not to you. For a person who didn't comply, the CRT can order up to $500 per day, up to a maximum of $10,000 for that penalty order. For a company that didn't comply, the limit is $5,000 per day up to a maximum of $100,000. If they still don't comply with the protection order, you can ask the CRT to order further administrative penalties.

About the CRT process

How does the CRT process work?

After you apply, a CRT case manager will contact you. They will discuss your options and next steps, and answer any questions you have about the CRT claims process. They will contact you using the method you gave in your application form. This could be by email or phone.

After you submit all your evidence and other information, the claim file will be sent to a tribunal member for a decision.

See detailed flowcharts of the process for:

Do I have to go in person to a CRT office?

No, you don’t have to go in person to the CRT. The CRT process is all done online, by email, or by video call or phone.

How quickly can I get an intimate image protection order?

We prioritize CRT claims for an intimate image protection order. We know it’s important to make these decisions and orders quickly to minimize harm.

The time it takes us to issue a protection order will vary. It could depend on how long it takes you to submit your evidence and other information. It could also depend on how many applications the CRT gets.

What will a CRT case manager talk with me about?

A CRT case manager helps you navigate the CRT process. They're the main contact person for your claim, will explain next steps and timelines, and help you prepare your evidence and other information for a CRT decision.

They will also ask you some questions about your claim, the intimate image, and how the image was shared or threatened to be shared. This is to help prepare all your information for the tribunal member to make a decision about your claim.

Case managers are neutral. They can’t give you legal advice about your claim, but they can offer resources to support you.

After you get a CRT order

What can I do with an intimate image protection order?

If you have an intimate image protection order from the CRT or the court, you need to send the order to the people or companies who have your image that you want taken down. This is how they will find out about it.

The CRT can’t send the order for you to anyone who didn’t participate in the claim. The CRT also won’t contact someone to make sure they comply with it.

Sending them the order is important. If you decide to take further legal steps with the order, you will need to prove how and when you gave them the order.

Who can help me send or enforce a CRT order?

The BC government's Intimate Images Protection Service offers emotional support, general information and referrals. They may also be able to help you with the CRT process and sending intimate image protection orders. If you’re under 19, they might need you to have a parent or guardian involved when you use their services, but they won’t contact your parent or guardian without your permission. Call them toll-free at 1-833-688-4381.

What if someone doesn’t comply with a protection order?

You can ask the CRT to order an administrative penalty against someone who didn’t comply with the protection order. An administrative penalty is a type of fine. This penalty is paid to the BC government, not to the CRT or to the person whose intimate image was shared without their consent.

Another option is to file it with the court for enforcement. But the CRT can’t tell you what the court might do in your situation.

What if I disagree with a CRT decision?

If you don’t agree with a CRT decision, you can make an application to the BC Supreme Court for “judicial review”. This is when you ask the court to review the CRT decision. Learn more about judicial review.

If you need help understanding your options, you may want to get legal advice. The CRT can’t give legal advice, help you decide what option to take, or help you with the court process.

Evidence and technology

What is evidence? What if I don’t have the image?

The CRT is a legal process. You also need to give us evidence to support your claim. This usually includes the image, if you have it.

You can give us other information about the image, and when and how it was shared or threatened to be shared. That could include text messages, screenshots, or statements from people who saw the image online or that it caused you harm.

If someone made a claim against you, you will have the opportunity to give evidence. You can tell us why you think the CRT shouldn’t issue the order that the applicant asked for.

Can I just give you a link to the image?

You can give us a URL to the image or video. But if you have the image, it’s best to upload it too so the tribunal member can make sure it’s the same image as in the link. Online content can change quickly! The tribunal member will decide if just giving us a link to the image is enough.

Can you upload my evidence for me?

CRT staff can help you upload your evidence if you’re having trouble. This could mean CRT staff might see your intimate image if they help you upload it.

You could also ask a trusted friend, family member, or advocate to help you upload it.

Where can I get technology help?

The BC government's Intimate Images Protection Service offers emotional support, general information and referrals. They may also be able to help you with the CRT process and sending intimate image protection orders. If you’re under 19, they might need you to have a parent or guardian involved when you use their services, but they won’t contact your parent or guardian without your permission. Call them toll-free at 1-833-688-4381.

The BC Society of Transition Houses has resources and toolkits for staying safe online.

For people under 19

I’m under 12. Can I make a CRT claim by myself?

There are special rules for CRT intimate image protection order claims. These rules are set by the BC government, and we can't make exceptions.

If you’re under 12, you can only make a CRT claim through a litigation guardian, which is usually a parent or legal guardian.

I’m 12 or 13. Can I make a CRT claim by myself?

There are special rules for CRT intimate image protection order claims. These rules are set by the BC government, and we can't make exceptions.

If you’re 12 or 13, in a CRT protection order claim you must be represented by an adult you trust. It doesn’t have to be your parent, but can be. This representative will have the authority to speak to the CRT on your behalf. When you make a claim, you must give us the name and contact information of your representative.

For any other type of CRT claim, you must have a litigation guardian. This is a special type of representative. They are usually a parent or legal guardian.

I’m 14 or over. Can I make a CRT claim by myself?

There are special rules for CRT intimate image protection order claims. These are set by the BC government, and we can't  make exceptions.

If you’re 14 or older, you can make a protection order claim on your own or have an adult you trust represent you. This representative will have the authority to speak to the CRT on your behalf. When you make a claim, you must give us the name and contact information of your representative if you have one.

For any other type of CRT claim, if you are under 19 you must have a litigation guardian. This is a special type of representative. They are usually a parent or legal guardian.

If I make a claim, will you tell my parents or guardian?

The CRT won’t contact your parents or guardian, unless you tell us you want them to be your representative.

In some cases, we may have to notify other organizations. For example, if a person has reason to believe that a child is in need of protection, they have a legal requirement to notify a child welfare worker.

Can I make a claim against someone under 19?

Yes, you can make a claim against someone who is under 19. They will need a litigation guardian in order to participate in the CRT process. This is a special type of representative, usually a parent or guardian.

For parents

Can I make a claim about my child’s intimate image, even if they don’t want me to?

It depends on how old your child is, and what type of claim you want to make.

  • If your child is 14 or over, they can make an intimate image protection order claim on their own or with the help of an adult they trust. They must agree to the application and tell us who their representative is, if they want to have one. They don’t need to use a parent as their representative.
  • If your child is age 12 or 13, they can only make an intimate image protection order claim and participate in the CRT process with the help of an adult they trust. They must agree to the application and tell us who their representative is. They don’t need to use a parent as their representative.
  • If your child is under 12, they can only make an intimate image protection order claim and participate in the CRT process through a litigation guardian. This is usually a parent or legal guardian.
  • For CRT damages (compensation) claims and administrative penalty claims, a person under age 19 can only apply and participate through a litigation guardian.
Will the CRT tell me if my child makes a claim or a claim is made against them?

If your child makes a CRT claim, the CRT won’t notify you.

But if someone makes a CRT claim against a person under 19 years old, we will need proof that the official CRT claim documents were served to the person's parents or legal guardian.

Will the CRT report my child’s claim to anyone?

In some cases, the CRT may have to notify other organizations. For example, if a person has reason to believe that a child is in need of protection, they have a legal requirement to notify a child welfare worker.

What is a helper, representative, or litigation guardian?

A helper unofficially supports someone during the CRT process. A helper might be a trusted friend or family member, or an advocate. They might do things like give emotional support, or translate to English. But they can’t speak to the CRT on someone’s behalf.

A representative officially speaks for someone during the CRT process. The representative also submits someone’s evidence and other information, and can make agreements for them. A representative is usually a lawyer, family member or friend.

A litigation guardian is a representative for a person too young to participate in the CRT process, or for an adult with impaired mental capacity. A litigation guardian is usually a parent or other legal guardian.

For advocates, representatives, and helpers

What is a helper, representative, or litigation guardian?

A helper unofficially supports someone during the CRT process. A helper might be a trusted friend or family member, or an advocate. They might do things like give emotional support, or translate to English. But they can’t speak to the CRT on someone’s behalf.

A representative officially speaks for someone during the CRT process. The representative also submits someone’s evidence and other information, and can make agreements for them. A representative is usually a lawyer, family member or friend.

A litigation guardian is a representative for a person too young to participate in the CRT process, or for an adult with impaired mental capacity. A litigation guardian is usually a parent or other legal guardian.

Can I make a claim for someone else?

For CRT intimate image protection order claims, a trusted adult can make a claim for someone 12 or older. You must have their consent to help them with their claim. You don't need to be their parent.

For a child under 12, only a litigation guardian can make a protection order claim on their behalf. A litigation guardian is usually a parent or other legal guardian.

Can I represent a client in a CRT claim?

It depends what kind of claim your client is making or responding to. It also depends if you’re a lawyer or not. Your client might need the CRT’s permission to have you represent them.

Protection order claims:

  • If you’re a lawyer, your client doesn’t need the CRT’s permission for you to represent them in a claim for an intimate image protection order.
  • An applicant who is aged 12 or older can also choose to have a trusted adult represent them. This person doesn’t need to be a lawyer, and the applicant doesn’t need the CRT’s permission to be represented by a trusted adult.
  • If your client is a respondent to a claim for an intimate image protection order, they need the CRT’s permission to have someone other than a lawyer represent them.

Damages claims:

  • Your client will need the CRT’s permission to have a lawyer or other person represent them.

Administrative penalty claims:

  • If you’re a lawyer, your client doesn’t need the CRT’s permission for you to represent them in an administrative penalty claim.
  • If you are not a lawyer, your client will need the CRT’s permission to have you represent them.

For respondents (someone made a claim against you)

Someone gave me a CRT Notice of Application or Dispute Notice package. What does it mean?

If someone sends you a CRT Notice of Application or Dispute Notice package, it means they made a legal claim against you.

A Notice of Application or Dispute Notice is a legal document. Here’s an example of what it looks like. This document explains:

  • Who made the claim (the applicants)
  • Who the claim is against (the respondents)
  • What the claim is about (the claim details)
  • What the applicant asked for to resolve the claim (the remedies)
If I’m under 19 and someone makes a claim against me, will you tell my parents or guardian?

If you are under 19, you must respond and participate in the CRT process through a litigation guardian. A litigation guardian is usually your parent or guardian.

How do I respond to a CRT claim?

Fill out and submit a claim response form. It will ask you to confirm your contact information, and if you agree with the claims made against you. The link to the appropriate response form is in the Notice package that you were given.

You can respond online 24/7. If you prefer to respond by email or mail, download a paper form and send it to us.

What could happen if I don’t respond to the claim?

If you don’t respond by the deadline, the claim won’t go away. It will continue through the CRT process and you won’t get a chance to explain your side of the claim.

You could even get a default decision made against you, which can be enforced like a court order.

What could happen if I don’t comply with a CRT order?

If you don’t comply with an intimate image protection order, the applicant could ask the CRT to issue an administrative penalty. An administrative penalty is a type of fine. It is payable to government. If you are an individual, each penalty could be as much as $500 per day up to a maximum of $10,000. If you are a company or internet intermediary, it could be $5,000 per day up to a maximum of $100,000. Subsequent penalty orders can be made with the same maximums, if you continue to fail to comply.

The applicant could also file a protection order in court, and ask the court to enforce the order.

What if I disagree with a CRT decision?

Someone who participated in a CRT intimate image protection order claim, or any other person affected by the protection order, can ask the CRT to cancel the order.

If the order is for an administrative penalty or damages, someone who is non-compliant with the CRT process can ask the CRT to cancel the decision and order.

If you don’t agree with a CRT decision, you can make an application to the BC Supreme Court for “judicial review”. This is when you ask the court to review the CRT decision. Learn more about judicial review.

If you need help understanding your options, you may want to get legal advice. The CRT can’t give legal advice, help you decide what option to take, or help you with the court process.

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