Image removal reporting options

If an intimate image of you was shared without your consent, or someone has threatened to share it, there are several ways to report it.  

The Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT)

The Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) is an independent, administrative tribunal that makes decisions and issues orders about legal claims. These orders are enforceable in court, just like court orders.

Unlike criminal court and the police, the CRT does not investigate or make criminal charges. The CRT tribunal members can issue intimate image protection orders meant to make someone delete the image, or stop them from sharing or threatening to share it. You can send this legal order to people or organizations directing them to remove the images immediately. 

Tribunal members can also issue orders for financial compensation or administrative penalties if someone doesn't comply with the intimate image protection order.

The CRT offers an accessible, affordable way to resolve civil law disputes without needing a lawyer or attending court. 

Types of CRT intimate images claims

If an intimate image of you was shared without your consent, or someone has threatened to share it, on or after March 6, 2023, you can make a claim at the CRT. There are 3 types of claims you can make to the CRT related to an intimate image:

CRT intimate images claim types

Intimate image protection order	This type of "take-down" order is meant to make someone delete the image or stop them from sharing or threatening to share it.
Intimate image(s) damages claim	Damages are money you want a person or company to pay you for the harm their sharing (or threats) caused you, or to punish them for their actions. The CRT can only order up to $5,000 for this type of claim. If you want to claim more, you must make your claim with the Provincial Court (up to $35,000) or BC Supreme Court (over $35,000) instead.
Administrative penalty claim	An administrative penalty is a type of fine. The CRT can order a person or company to pay an administrative penalty if they don’t comply with an intimate image protection order issued by the CRT or the court. This penalty is paid to the BC government, not to the CRT or to the person whose intimate image was shared without their consent.

The CRT is a legal process and you will need to provide evidence to support your claim. This usually includes the image, if you have it. If you don’t have the image or video evidence, there is other evidence you can provide, including information about the image, and when and how it was shared or threatened to be shared. This can include text messages, screenshots, or witness statements. 

More information on the CRT process can be found on the CRT website.

Other Reporting Options 

If you want to report, or even just learn more about your options for reporting, we are here to explain your options, help you with applications, and provide emotional support.