Nova Scotia has begun the process to review the Intimate Images and Cyber-protection Act.
The legislation which was adopted in July 2018 provides victims with options to deal with individuals who want to cause them harm online. Included in the act was a provision that mandates it be reviewed every four years, a process that is now underway.
On Thursday the province launched an online survey so the public can provide their feedback. The survey only takes about five minutes to complete and will remain open until January 28.
“We want to help keep people safe online, so it is important that we review the legislation to ensure that it remains effective,” said Justice Minister and Attorney General Brad Johns. “The feedback we receive will be valuable in helping us see where we can improve the legislation.”
A series of targeted focus group sessions are also planned with various people and stakeholder groups, including victims and their families, provincial and police victim-services staff, judges, police, lawyers, academics, advocates and people from diverse communities. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the focus groups will be held virtually.
In its current form, the act offers victims multiple ways to seek help, including;
- participate in restorative approaches to resolve disputes
- get protection orders for alleged offenders to stop the activity
- request removal of online content
- prohibit further contact
- seek compensation.
The act also established the CyberScan Unit to help victims understand their options and navigate the justice system. In their first four years of operation, the CyberScan unit has helped victims in 660 cases.
The act has also been utilized in Provincial Courts, to date two cases have applied for cyber-protection orders under the act.
