March 18,2026
RED FM News Desk
Victims of intimate-image abuse in British Columbia can now seek up to $75,000 in compensation through the Civil Resolution Tribunal, following new amendments to the Intimate Images Protection Act that are now in force.
Attorney General Niki Sharma said the increased cap sends a strong message that the non-consensual sharing of intimate images is unacceptable and carries serious consequences. She added that the changes will help ensure victims receive the justice they deserve.
The legislation allows victims to seek remedies without going through lengthy or expensive court proceedings. Through the tribunal, individuals can request the removal of intimate images from the internet, prevent further distribution or threats, and pursue financial compensation from individuals or platforms responsible for sharing the content.
Since coming into effect in January 2024, the tribunal has resolved 389 of 486 cases submitted, with others still in progress. Victims can also access support through the Intimate Images Protection Service, which provides emotional assistance, resources, and help enforcing tribunal orders.
The latest amendments, passed in fall 2025, significantly raise the compensation limit from $5,000 to $75,000, remove the requirement to publicly disclose damages decisions to better protect privacy, and clarify how protection orders are issued, modified, and enforced. They also set clearer timelines for penalties when orders are not followed and confirm the authority of the support service to collect necessary personal information.
Officials say these changes strengthen protections for victims, improve the flexibility and effectiveness of protection orders, and ensure cases are handled more efficiently while safeguarding privacy and dignity.
The act is part of broader provincial efforts to address gender-based violence, including the Safe and Supported: Gender-Based Violence Action Plan and the Safer Communities Action Plan.
Parliamentary secretary Jennifer Blatherwick said sharing or threatening to share intimate images without consent is a form of sexual violence that can cause lasting harm, and the updates aim to give survivors greater protection and access to justice.
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