B.C. raises damages cap to $75,000 for non-consensual intimate image cases

British Columbia has increased the maximum damages available in civil cases involving non-consensual sharing of intimate images, raising the cap from $5,000 to $75,000, according to a provincial government news release.

The change comes through amendments to the Intimate Images Protection Act, which allows individuals to apply to the Civil Resolution Tribunal for orders to remove images, stop further distribution and seek compensation from people or platforms alleged to have shared or threatened to share the content. The tribunal process applies to individuals, social media companies and websites.

Attorney General Niki Sharma said the higher limit is intended to reinforce consequences for image-based abuse, calling it unacceptable in the province and emphasizing the government’s position on accountability in these cases.

Jennifer Blatherwick, B.C.’s parliamentary secretary for gender equity, said in a statement that non-consensual sharing or threats to share intimate images constitutes sexual violence and can result in long-term harm for survivors, including stigma and trauma.

Since the legislation came into force in January 2024, the Civil Resolution Tribunal has resolved 389 of the 486 submissions it has received, with remaining cases still in progress, according to the province.

People seeking assistance can access the Intimate Images Protection Service, which provides support in navigating tribunal processes and communicating orders to online platforms and individuals who have posted or shared images.