An Act to amend the Criminal Code and to make consequential amendments to other Acts (child sexual abuse and exploitation material)
An Act to amend the Criminal Code and to make consequential amendments to other Acts (child sexual abuse and exploitation material). Royal assent November 9, 2023 (S.C. 2023, c. 27). Conservative private member's bill sponsored by Mel Arnold (MP for North Okanagan-Shuswap). Modernizes Criminal Code terminology by replacing the older 'child pornography' language throughout the Criminal Code (sections 163.1, 162.1, 171.1, etc.) with 'child sexual abuse and exploitation material' (CSAEM). The change recognizes that the older term inappropriately frames the material as a category of pornography rather than as evidence of child sexual abuse. Passed unanimously in both chambers.
Status
Quick learn
Updates Criminal Code language so that intimate images created by AI (deepfakes) count as child sexual abuse material when they depict minors. Closes a gap where AI-generated content fell outside existing offences. Granted royal assent in the 44th Parliament.
Issues this bill touches
- Crime & Public Safety
Updates Criminal Code language for child-sexual-abuse material offences. Removes outdated terminology like 'child pornography'.
Legislative history
- First reading
First reading in the House of Commons.
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Second reading in the House of Commons.
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Third reading in the House of Commons.
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First reading in the Senate.
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Second reading in the Senate.
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Third reading in the Senate.
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Royal assent received.
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Tabled in the originating chamber by the sponsor.
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Bill formally introduced; printed text becomes available.
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Sponsored by
Mel ArnoldCONSERVATIVEOfficial source
Read full text on Parliament of Canada