Can You Sue for Revenge Porn in BC?
- Lina Zhang
- 6 hours ago
- 3 min read
Can You Sue for Revenge Porn in BC?
It starts with a notification you don’t expect. Your phone lights up, and someone sends you a screenshot of an intimate photo you thought was private. Within seconds, fear sets in. Who shared it? How far has it gone?
This moment has become all too common in British Columbia. But a new law now gives victims real legal power to fight back, remove the images, and even sue those responsible.
When Private Images Are Shared Without Consent
Revenge porn, or the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, isn’t just a social betrayal. It’s a violation that can damage a person’s job, mental health, and sense of safety.
Many victims in BC ask the same question: can you sue for revenge porn in BC? New laws now make that possible, giving victims clear legal options and stronger protection than ever before.
What the Law Says About Revenge Porn in BC
Under Canada’s Criminal Code section 162.1, it’s a crime to share or even threaten to share an intimate image without consent. Convictions can lead to up to five years in prison.
But beyond criminal charges, BC’s Intimate Images Protection Act gives victims the right to take civil action — a way to remove images and seek damages without waiting for police or prosecutors.
Inside the BC Intimate Images Protection Act
The Act came into force in January 2024 and applies to cases as far back as March 2023. It covers photos, videos, screenshots, and even AI-generated deepfakes shared or threatened without consent.
Anyone 14 or older can file a claim. The law recognizes the harm caused by these images and creates a clear path to get them deleted and the damage acknowledged.
How to File a Claim Through the Civil Resolution Tribunal
You don’t need a lawyer to take action. BC’s Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) lets victims file online for two things — a protection order and, if needed, financial compensation.
A protection order can force people or platforms to remove, delete, or stop sharing the image. Victims can also claim up to $5,000 in damages. The CRT process is private, fast, and built to handle cases like this.
Damages You Can Claim Under BC Revenge Porn Law
Damages cover emotional distress, lost income, and other harm caused by the image’s release. The CRT has already awarded victims the full $5,000 limit in early 2024 cases.
The BC government is now considering raising that cap to as high as $75,000, reflecting the growing understanding of how serious these violations are.
When Intimate Images Are Shared Online
Act quickly. Take screenshots, save URLs, and document every trace of the image. Report it immediately to the Intimate Images Protection Service by calling 1-833-688-4381.
VictimLinkBC also offers 24-hour crisis support at 1-800-563-0808. You can apply for an urgent CRT protection order without notifying the person who posted your image.
When to Report Revenge Porn to Police
If your intimate images are being shared or threatened, you can go to the police right away. The civil process through the CRT doesn’t replace criminal law — both can happen at the same time.
Police can investigate under section 162.1 of the Criminal Code, which makes it a crime to share or distribute intimate images without consent. While criminal charges punish the offender, the civil route focuses on removing the content and protecting your privacy.
Why Acting Fast Matters
Once an image is online, every hour counts. The faster you act, the better chance you have to remove it and limit how far it spreads.
Even if you’re unsure who posted it, BC’s new system allows action against anonymous accounts and platforms that host the content.
What to Remember About Revenge Porn in BC
Yes, you can sue for revenge porn in BC. The law now recognizes that image-based abuse is a serious form of harm — one that deserves real consequences.
If this happens to you, remember you’re not powerless. There’s a process to take back control, clear your name, and make those responsible accountable.
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