Civil Litigation

Intimate Images Shared Without Consent: Your Options

If someone shared, or threatened to share, an intimate image of you, you are not alone and you have options. Here is where to start.

A wooden gaven sitting on top of a computer keyboard

Sharing an intimate image of someone without their consent is a crime under section 162.1 of the Criminal Code. Ontario courts have also awarded damages in civil cases, for example in Jane Doe 72511 v. Morgan (2018), which recognized the tort of public disclosure of private facts.

The short answer

You can report to the police, ask platforms to remove the image, and sue for damages. If you are under 18, or the image was taken when you were, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection's NeedHelpNow service can help.

Immediate steps

  1. Don't delete the messages or posts: take screenshots with links and dates.
  2. Report to the platform and request removal.
  3. Report to the police. Threatening to share can also be a crime.

Civil options

  • Damages for the harm caused, through the courts.
  • Court orders requiring removal and stopping further sharing.

Support

  • Victim services in your area can help with safety planning and support.
  • NeedHelpNow.ca helps young people get images removed.

You did nothing wrong

Sharing an image in trust doesn't give anyone the right to share it further.

Getting legal help

A statue of lady justice holding a scale of justice

Because these claims can involve privacy, defamation and criminal law together, get advice early. NEO can refer you to the right help.

Talk to NEO

Have a claim, or been sued? NEO represents clients in Small Claims Court (claims up to $50,000) and can tell you if your matter needs a lawyer. Call 647-200-3526 or toll-free 888-519-2435, email info@neolegalservices.com, or book a free consultation.

Sources

Read next: Preserving Evidence Before and During a Lawsuit

General Ontario legal information, not legal advice for your matter, and reading it does not create a retainer. Sources checked 16 October 2026: check the current law, forms and dates before you act.

Photos from Unsplash: a wooden gaven sitting on top of a computer keyboard · A statue of lady justice holding a scale of justice.

This article is general information for people in Ontario, not legal advice. Rules, forms and deadlines change, and every situation is different. Check the current rule or speak to a licensed legal professional before you act.

Not sure where you stand? A licensed paralegal can look at your documents and tell you your options.

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Law Society of Ontario — Barreau de l'Ontario
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