B.C. taking steps to protect people from having intimate images shared online without consent
The province has passed legislation to make it easier for victims to get sexual images of themselves posted online without their consent -- taken down, as experts question whether it goes far enough to address the next frontier -- of artificial intelligence.
David Fraser is one of Canada's leading internet and privacy lawyers. He says most victims just want the images in question taken down. The B.C. law he says, is a good step, but it's unclear if the definition of an image will include what some call, deep fakes.
"It's not just the old fashioned Photoshop. Its videos can be completely recreated changing somebody's face, changing body characteristics, and things like that. And the ultimate impact can be just as harmful on the victims of that sort of thing," Fraser told CTV.
To protect victims -- the B.C. government has passed legislation that gives them a faster and easier way to get sexual images posted online -- taken down quickly. This fall, victims will have access to a website to make that request through the civil resolution tribunal.
Ryan Black, a partner with the firm DLA Piper (Canada) said he thought the intent of the law was clear and that may help when dealing with cases involving AI.
"I think courts are going to be not very friendly towards people who using artificial intelligence, manipulate images to make them appear explicit.," Black explained. "We're probably going to get to the same place, but I think that it should have been part of this act very clearly."
The attorney general sent a letter to big media companies about the legislation and how court orders will demand they take the images down. Niki Sharma told reporters she had already met with Google and hoped to meet with other tech giants as well.
"The letter's very clear and they're all on notice that posting intimate images without consent is sexualized violence and won't be tolerated," added Sharma.
Experts say most large companies don't want negative press, so they will remove them. But those who make a business of sharing these kinds of images may not.
"A Canadian court order of this type simply doesn't have any force for effect outside of Canada," explained Fraser.
Asked about jurisdictional issues, Sharma insisted her team felt a court order or administrative penalties administered for non-compliance were enforceable.
Sharing intimate images of someone without their consent is a crime in Canada. Going through that court process can be traumatizing and cumbersome, which is why many provinces are coming up with their own rules.
"I think that a lot of this stuff happens at the heat of the moment and kind of maybe sometimes comes from abusive relationships," added Black. The lawyer added he felt B.C.'s new law was a good way to educate people about the issue and hopefully deter them.
Anti-violence groups point out there's often a lot of shame and victim-blaming for what increasingly is being recognized for what it is -- not so-called "revenge porn" -- but a harmful crime.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Judge in Trump's hush money trial threatened to throw witness out of court for behavior on stand
Michael Cohen testified Monday that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from his ex-boss Donald Trump’s company, an admission defence lawyers hope to use to undermine Cohen’s credibility.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
Oilers win Game 7 over Canucks, advance to Western Conference Final
The Edmonton Oilers weathered a late Vancouver Canucks charge on Monday night, beating the hosts 3-2 to win their seven-game second-round playoff series in the decisive showdown.
McGill says pro-Palestinian protest outside senior administrator's home 'crosses the line'
McGill University has denounced a pro-Palestinian protest held Sunday outside the home of one of its senior administrators.
Red Lobster probes 'endless shrimp' losses after bankruptcy filing
U.S.-based restaurant chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Florida court after securing $100 million in financing commitments from its existing lenders, the company said on Sunday.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
Microsoft's AI chatbot will 'recall' everything you do on a PC
Microsoft wants laptop users to get so comfortable with its artificial intelligence chatbot that it will remember everything you're doing on your computer and help figure out what you want to do next.
Judge cites error, will reopen sentencing hearing for man who attacked Nancy Pelosi's husband
A federal judge will reopen the sentencing hearing for the man who broke into Nancy Pelosi's San Francisco home and bludgeoned her husband with a hammer after the judge failed to allow him to speak during his court appearance last week.