As a result of their deliberations committees may make recommendations which they include in their reports for the consideration of the House of Commons or the Government. Recommendations related to this study are listed below.

Recommendation 1

That the collection of, and access to, local and national intersectional data related to the non-consensual distribution of intimate images be supported, particularly by creating a database in collaboration with federal and provincial statistics services.

Recommendation 2

That an awareness campaign be launched with the objective of informing children and teens, in addition to equipping educators and parents, about

• the consequences of viewing sexually explicit content depicting violent and abusive sexual behaviour, particularly for minors;
• the impact on victims of the non-consensual distribution of intimate images, including the creation and distribution of sexually explicit deepfakes; and
• tools to address sextortion.

Recommendation 3

That measures be put in place to improve victims’ access to resources, particularly with regard to reporting.

Recommendation 4

That digital platforms implement processes for detecting and reporting illegal, sexually explicit content, such as child sexual abuse material and the non-consensual distribution of intimate images (including deepfakes), and that such content be removed immediately once it has been identified, under threat of penalty.

Recommendation 5

That section 161.1(2) of the Criminal Code, which defines “intimate image,” be amended to include the concept of sexually explicit deepfakes.

Recommendation 6

That a study be undertaken on the involvement of private messaging platforms in the distribution of illegal, sexually explicit content, such as child sexual abuse material, and on possible legislative measures to regulate these platforms and protect users.

Recommendation 7

That the development of technologies to combat the distribution of illegal, sexually explicit content, such as child sexual abuse material and non-consensual intimate images, be supported.

Recommendation 8

Recognize that action to stop the use of illegal sexually explicit material must be part of the Government of Canada’s broader agenda to promote gender equality and to end gender-based violence.