Bill to Stop Internet Sexual Exploitation Passes Second Reading Unanimously

Bill to Prevent Online Sexual Exploitation Passes Second Reading with Unanimous Support

May 9, 2024 TruthUSA

A private member’s bill aiming to combat online sexual exploitation successfully passed second reading with unanimous support in the House of Commons on May 8. The vote resulted in a 327–0 majority in favor.

“The Stopping Internet Sexual Exploitation Act passes Second Reading unanimously!” exclaimed Conservative MP Arnold Viersen, the bill’s sponsor, in a post on X shortly after its passing. Viersen expressed his gratitude to survivors and organizations who have tirelessly worked to raise awareness and garner support.

While there is still a lengthy legislative process ahead before potential implementation, Bill C-270 has now been referred to the Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights for further examination.

The bill would require pornography companies to validate the consent of individuals depicted in material before uploading, as well as allowing individuals to withdraw their consent. Additionally, it mandates companies to verify that individuals depicted are over 18 years old.

Although no debate occurred during the second reading on May 8, discussions took place on April 9, where Viersen advocated for the legislation.

“Survivors, including a 12-year-old from Ontario, have resorted to pursuing justice through their own litigation due to the current burden in Canada falling on survivors and law enforcement to prove, after material has been uploaded, the age or consent status of individuals depicted in videos,” Viersen highlighted during the April 9 debate.

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“This is particularly a problem for Canada as many of those websites are hosted here,” he added. “Pornographic companies are publicizing and monetizing content without verifying the age and the consent of the people depicted in them.”

MPs across all parties showed support during the second reading.

During the April 9 debate, the Liberals’ parliamentary secretary to the leader of the government questioned the opposition’s lack of support for Bill C-63, the government’s proposed Online Harms Act.

“The bill criminalizes child pornography and non-consensual material, imposing a legal duty on online platforms to remove such content,” MP Kevin Lamoureux stated in the House of Commons.

He reiterated that while child pornography and non-consensual material are illegal in Canada, a legislative gap exists in mandating platforms to delete such content once identified.

Conversely, Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner highlighted criticisms of the Online Harms Act for going beyond child protection to encompass controversial measures, such as granting police authority to potentially confine individuals for harmful online speech.

She emphasized the focused nature of Bill C-270, providing law enforcement with necessary tools.

Expressing willingness to move Bill C-270 to committee for further analysis, the NDP recognized the bill’s straightforward premise.

“The bill requires age verification and consent records. Some argue these are implicit requirements under current laws, but this initiative could streamline prosecutions. We await expert insights,” NDP MP Randall Garrison remarked.

Ms. Rempel-Garner also raised concerns about AI generating fake pornographic content featuring actual individuals, causing harassment and legal challenges.

Viersen expressed confidence in the bill’s potential impact, underlining the necessity for comprehensive regulation to address various forms of exploitation affecting individuals.

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