Pornhub operator failed to obtain meaningful consent before allowing adult content to be posted on its websites

Summary:

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC) has released an investigation report finding that Pornhub and other adult content websites operated by Aylo (formerly MindGeek) contravened Canadian privacy law by allowing intimate images to be shared without direct knowledge or consent of the individuals depicted. The investigation was launched after a woman discovered that her ex-boyfriend had uploaded intimate images and videos of her to Aylo websites without her consent, leading to severe consequences, including social stigmatization, psychological damage, and financial loss. The report found significant problems in Aylo's privacy protection measures, including inadequate consent processes and ineffective content removal procedures. The Privacy Commissioner made several recommendations to Aylo to bring it into compliance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), including obtaining direct consent from individuals depicted in content and simplifying takedown processes.