Intimate Images Protection Update – Big Tech Warned To Be Ready For Big Changes or Face Big Damages

I’ve written previously about BC’s new ‘Intimate Images Protection Act’.  In short this new law allows people to get quick binding orders for the removal of nude or sexualized content they don’t want on the internet.  Even if they previously consented to sharing the content they can RETROACTIVELY revoke consent.  Big change.

This week BC’s Attorney General wrote a letter to major tech and social medial companies telling them to be ready.

In the letter it is suggested the Act will go live in a matter of months as soon as regulations are finalized.  From there we can assist anyone who wants to have unwanted intimate content removed from the internet.   In fact once the law is live it is retroactive to when it was first introduced so people can send demand letters for the removal of content under the legislation right now.  If demand letters are not complied with damages could follow.

If an intimate image is ordered removed and anyone (hint big tech) continues to ‘distribute’ the image they are liable for a statutory tort and can be on the hook for damages.  These include compensatory damages and potentially aggravated and even punitive damages.

I’ve obtained a copy of the Attorney General’s letter.  Below it is published in full.  Big tech has now been warned.  They will have no excuse not to be ready to have responsible policies in place to swiftly remove ordered images within their control