HALIFAX – The Nova Scotia government has introduced new legislation aimed at enhancing the protections for individuals impacted by intimate images that are created or modified using artificial intelligence (AI) without their consent. This significant amendment to the existing Intimate Images and Cyber-protection Act was announced on Thursday, marking a critical step towards safeguarding victims of non-consensual image sharing and cyberbullying.
Provincial Justice Minister Scott Armstrong explained that the proposed changes broaden the definition of what constitutes an intimate image. One notable aspect of the legislation is that it removes the requirement for victims to demonstrate that an intimate image was shared without their consent when seeking a court order for the removal of such images. By alleviating this burden on victims, the legislation aims to promote a more trauma-informed approach to addressing these sensitive issues.
Armstrong emphasized, “Prior to these changes…it was on the victim to actually prove that they did not give consent. That’s not trauma informed. The victim shouldn’t have to do the work here.” This shift is expected to make a substantial difference for individuals facing the distressing situation of having intimate images shared without their approval.
In addition to expanding protections for victims, the amendments also criminalize the act of threatening to disseminate intimate images online without consent. This legislative change aligns with recent updates made to the Canadian Criminal Code in June, which also penalizes the threats of sharing intimate images, including those generated as sexual deepfakes.
The recently proposed legislation further encompasses changes to the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act. Among these revisions is the expansion of the provincial government's authority to seize control of properties that are suspected of being used for serious criminal activities. Armstrong articulated that this new tool is particularly aimed at combatting human trafficking, a pressing concern within the province.
Moreover, the legislation includes various amendments aimed at bolstering public safety across Nova Scotia. Among these is a modernized approach to 911 services, which is intended to improve responsiveness and efficiency in emergency situations.
This comprehensive set of legislative changes reflects the Nova Scotia government’s proactive stance on addressing the challenges posed by the misuse of technology and enhancing community safety. The amendments are designed not only to protect victimized individuals but also to deter future incidents of cyber exploitation.
In summary, the introduction of this legislation marks a pivotal development in the protection of individuals against the misuse of intimate images and the enhancement of overall public safety in Nova Scotia.
