By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The rise of “sextortion”, a serious form of online exploitation, has prompted provinces across Canada to introduce new legislation to address the issue. Dr. Christopher Dietzel, a Research Associate with McGill University’s iMPACTS Project, discussed the dangers of sextortion, particularly for youth, and explained the recent developments in Quebec’s response to this pressing issue during a recent interview.
Dr. Dietzel’s background in research and advocacy makes him an authority on the subject. He has worked extensively in understanding digital violence, with a focus on sexual violence and technology-facilitated harm. He is also a co-investigator on a project called “DIY Digital Safety”, which develops resources to help young people navigate and address the risks of online harm, particularly sextortion.
What is sextortion?
Sextortion is a coercive tactic where perpetrators threaten to release sexual images or videos of a victim unless they provide more images, money, sex, or other favours. “It is crucial to understand that sextortion is different from sexting, which is consensual and often a part of modern sexual expression, particularly among youth,” Dr. Dietzel explained. While sexting is considered a healthy, consensual interaction between individuals, sextortion is marked by its coercive, manipulative nature.
He explained that the problem with sextortion lay in the coercion involved, which is what makes it harmful. “It’s not just about sharing an image, but the pressure and threats that follow, turning what might have been a consensual interaction into something very harmful,” Dr. Dietzel emphasized.
New Quebec legislation and its significance
The Quebec government recently introduced new legislation aimed at tackling the growing problem of sextortion. This move aligns with efforts by other provinces, such as British Columbia, which introduced similar measures last year. According to Dr. Dietzel, this new provincial legislation is intended to complement the federal Online Harms bill, creating multiple layers of protection for victims. “It is good to have both federal and provincial accountability mechanisms in place,” he noted, adding that Quebec’s legislation also focuses on addressing online harm quickly.
One of the most important aspects of the bill is that it allows a judge to render swift decisions regarding the deletion of sensitive images, a critical step considering how fast harmful content can spread online. Dr. Dietzel believes this emphasis on timeliness is crucial in preventing further damage to victims. “Once something is online, it can be distributed, saved, and manipulated within seconds, so addressing these issues quickly is absolutely essential.”
The new legislation also includes strict consequences for those who refuse to comply with court orders to remove harmful content, a move Dr. Dietzel welcomes, as it signals to perpetrators that they will be held accountable for their actions.
