Child sexual abuse and exploitation material (CSAEM)

The term matters. CSAEM identifies the material as a record, depiction or facilitation of abuse and exploitation. It avoids language that can imply consent, entertainment or adult sexual expression. The former federal expression was replaced in 2025 and should now be limited to historical quotation, legacy database searching or explanation of older sources.

What Canadian law addresses

Section 163.1 contains offences concerning making, distributing, possessing and accessing CSAEM. The statutory definition is broader than photographs and videos: it also covers specified written material, visual representations and audio recordings. Legal conclusions depend on the actual material and circumstances and must be made by appropriate authorities.

How material may be created or obtained

• Recording hands-on sexual abuse or exploitation.
• Coercing or manipulating a child to create or livestream sexual content.
• Capturing a livestream or video call without the child’s knowledge.
• Obtaining youth-created content and later distributing or using it exploitatively.
• Creating or altering sexualized depictions using AI or other editing tools.
• Repackaging, trading, selling or repeatedly circulating existing material.

Continuing harm

Distribution can create a lasting loss of privacy and control. Survivors may live with fear that the material will reappear, be viewed by strangers or lead to recognition and harassment. Removal is important, but it cannot always erase the knowledge that copies may still exist. Support should acknowledge this continuing harm without suggesting that recovery is impossible.

If you encounter suspected CSAEM

• Do not open additional files, search for more material or attempt to confirm what it is.
• Do not download, save, copy, forward, email or attach the material to a report.
• Record the URL, username, account, service, date and how the content came to your attention, without reproducing it.
• Report to Cybertip.ca or local police. If a known child may be at risk, also follow Ontario child-protection reporting requirements.
• Preserve the device and follow police instructions if investigators may need to examine it.

Victim-created does not mean victim-caused

A child may have created an image voluntarily, under pressure or without understanding how it would be used. The later coercion, non-consensual distribution or exploitative use is the responsibility of the person who caused that harm. Public language should distinguish how an image originated from what others did with it.