Crimes and Tickets

Sharing Intimate Images

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In Canada, publishing, texting or sharing intimate images of someone without their consent is a crime.

What is an intimate image? 

An intimate image is a photo or video that shows certain parts of the body, like breasts or genitals. An intimate image could also show a sexual activity. The person in the image must expect the image to remain private.

For example, publishing an intimate video of another person on a website, or texting intimate photos of an ex-girlfriend to another person, is a crime.

Important! Images of a minor: Someone who publishes or shares intimate images of a child under 18 could also be accused of distributing child pornography. This is the case even if the child or teen agrees that the photos can be shared.