Nova Scotia to expand protections for people affected by AI-generated intimate images

The Nova Scotia government announced on Thursday that it will introduce new legislation to expand protections for individuals affected by intimate images created or altered by AI without their consent. The proposed bill amends the provincial Intimate Images and Cyber-protection Act, which currently safeguards victims of cyberbullying and the unauthorized sharing of intimate images online.

Provincial Justice Minister Scott Armstrong emphasized that these changes aim to simplify the process for victims seeking court orders to have such images removed.

Armstrong explained that the new legislation would broaden the definition of an intimate image and remove the burden on victims who previously had to prove that the images were shared without their consent. "Prior to these changes ... if someone uploaded an intimate image of a victim, it was on the victim to actually prove that they did not give consent," Armstrong stated. "That’s not trauma informed. The victim shouldn’t have to do the work here."

Additionally, the proposed changes would make it illegal for individuals to threaten the online dissemination of intimate images. This amendment aligns with recent changes made to the Canadian Criminal Code in June, which criminalized the threat to share intimate images, including deepfakes, without consent. The legislation also includes amendments to the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act, granting the provincial government enhanced powers to address properties suspected of hosting serious criminal activities, particularly in the fight against human trafficking.

Among other improvements, the bill seeks to modernize 911 services, further strengthening public safety in Nova Scotia.