British Columbia’s Intimate Images Protection Act (IIPA) has been significantly strengthened. As of March 18, 2026, amended regulations allow victims of non-consensual intimate image sharing to seek up to $75,000 in compensation through the Civil Resolution Tribunal — a 14-fold increase over the previous $5,000 limit. If you or someone you know has been affected by intimate image abuse in BC, here is what you need to know about the law and what has changed.
What Is BC’s Intimate Images Protection Act?
The Intimate Images Protection Act came into force in January 2024, making British Columbia one of the first provinces in Canada to create a dedicated civil process for intimate image abuse. The Act was designed to give victims fast, accessible, and affordable legal recourse — without requiring them to navigate lengthy criminal proceedings.
The IIPA covers a broad range of harmful conduct, including:
- Non-consensual sharing of intimate images — sharing or posting someone’s intimate images without their permission.
- Threats to share — threatening to distribute intimate images as a form of coercion or harassment (sometimes called “sextortion”).
- AI-generated deepfakes and digitally altered images — the Act expressly covers realistic fake images, not just authentic photographs or videos, making BC’s law particularly forward-looking as deepfake technology becomes more widely accessible.
Who Is Protected Under the Intimate Images Protection Act in BC?
The Act protects any person whose intimate images have been shared — or threatened to be shared — without their consent. There is no age restriction; the protections apply to adults and youth alike. The Act also applies regardless of the relationship between the victim and the perpetrator, whether they are strangers, former partners, or acquaintances.
Importantly, a victim does not need to prove that the image was already distributed publicly. A credible threat to share intimate images is sufficient to trigger the Act’s protections.
How Does the BC Intimate Images Protection Act Work?
Applying to the Civil Resolution Tribunal
Rather than going to court, victims can apply online to BC’s Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT). The CRT is designed to be accessible and low-cost. Through this process, a person can seek:
- A takedown order — requiring platforms, websites, or individuals to remove the images.
- A stop-distribution order — preventing further sharing or threats to share.
- Monetary compensation — now up to $75,000 through the CRT, or higher amounts through provincial or Supreme Court.
Since the Act came into force, the CRT has received 486 submissions and resolved 389 of them — demonstrating that the process is actively being used and working.
The Intimate Images Protection Service
Alongside the tribunal process, BC established the Intimate Images Protection Service — a dedicated support body that provides emotional support, practical resources, and direct help communicating tribunal orders to platforms and perpetrators. Anyone affected can reach the service through the province’s dedicated portal: takebackyourimages.gov.bc.ca
What Changed in 2026: Key Amendments to the IIPA
Legislation passed in fall 2025 brought significant amendments into effect on March 18, 2026. Here is a summary of what is new:
- Damages ceiling raised to $75,000 (from $5,000) — the maximum compensation a victim can receive through a CRT order is now 14 times higher, reflecting the real-world harm caused by intimate image abuse.
- Tribunal decisions about damages no longer automatically published — this change better protects survivors’ privacy and reduces the risk of re-victimization through public exposure of their case.
- Protection orders made more flexible — the CRT can now amend protection orders when circumstances change, making enforcement more responsive.
- Penalty timelines clarified — clearer rules for when penalties apply if someone fails to comply with a protection order.
- Intimate Images Protection Service authority confirmed — the service is now explicitly authorized to collect the personal information needed to assist survivors effectively.
Note: the $75,000 limit applies specifically to CRT orders. Victims can also seek up to $35,000 in provincial court, or an uncapped amount in BC Supreme Court for more serious cases.
What These Changes Mean for Victims and Respondents in BC
For survivors and their legal counsel, the higher damages ceiling is a meaningful step toward justice. The harms caused by intimate image abuse — including therapy costs, lost employment, lasting reputational damage, and severe psychological injury — have never been adequately captured by a $5,000 limit. The new $75,000 ceiling brings the law closer to reflecting reality.
The removal of mandatory publication of damage decisions is equally important. Survivors can now pursue compensation through the CRT without their case details being publicly posted, which had previously deterred some victims from coming forward.
For respondents — individuals, websites, or platforms — the amendments significantly raise the legal and financial stakes of non-compliance. The message from BC’s legislature is unambiguous: sharing intimate images without consent is a form of sexual violence with serious legal consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Intimate Images Protection Act in BC
Can I use the IIPA if the image was created by AI?
Yes. The Intimate Images Protection Act explicitly covers AI-generated deepfakes and digitally altered images that realistically depict a person — not just authentic photos or videos.
How much compensation can I claim under the IIPA?
As of March 18, 2026, you can claim up to $75,000 through the Civil Resolution Tribunal, up to $35,000 in BC provincial court, or any amount in BC Supreme Court depending on your circumstances.
Do I need a lawyer to apply to the Civil Resolution Tribunal?
No — the CRT process is designed to be accessible without legal representation. However, depending on the complexity of your situation or if you are considering pursuing larger damages in court, legal advice can be valuable. You can also contact the Intimate Images Protection Service for practical support.
What if the person who shared my images is in another province or country?
Jurisdiction in online cases can be complex. If you are a BC resident or the harm occurred in BC, you may still have access to the IIPA process. A legal professional can advise you on the best approach given your specific circumstances.
Speak With a Lawyer About Your Rights Under the IIPA
If you have questions about your rights under BC’s Intimate Images Protection Act — whether you are a survivor seeking advice, or a respondent to a claim — our team at JLC can help.
You can also access the province’s free support and tribunal portal directly at takebackyourimages.gov.bc.ca.
