The Manitoba government is looking to strengthen a law to protect people whose intimate photos or videos are shared without their consent.

An analysis from the Department of Justice’s crown law analysis branch tabled in Parliament this week contains 10 recommendations to change the Non-consensual Distribution of Intimate Images Act.

The law allows victims to sue perpetrators and receive support in getting images taken off the internet.

One recommendation is to allow lawsuits against perpetrators for threatening to share images, even if they do not carry them through.

“This amendment is necessary because the threat to share an intimate image can be a control or coercive tactic used in violent intimate partner relationships,” the review states.

Another recommendation is to allow lawsuits where images are sent only to the victim. Current law regulates distribution to other persons.

“Sending the intimate image to the person depicted in the image is a tactic used to coerce and control,” the review said.

Other recommendations include making it easier for victims to obtain protective orders, including images of people who are “barely naked” instead of requiring full nudity, and including images where the victim is not identifiable.

AI generated images

The NDP government acted earlier this year on another recommendation in the report. It passed an amendment in June to make the law include images that are computer-generated or altered, often called “deep fakes.”

Justice Minister Matt Wiebe said Thursday the government will consult with legal experts and stakeholders such as the Canadian Center for Child Protection before outlining its next steps.

“There’s no doubt that the public is more aware of this issue and is asking us to act on it,” Wiebe said Thursday.

“We’re committed to proposing or amending legislation … to make sure we get this right and continue to show Manitobans that we’re moving on this issue.”

The federal government provides criminal consequences for sharing intimate images without consent under the Criminal Code.

Manitoba and other provinces have laws that provide civil remedies.