RCMP documents show Pornhub given a free pass on child porn allegations

OTTAWA – Internal RCMP documents are raising disturbing questions about the failure of the RCMP to investigate public allegations of child pornography and non-consensual violence on the Canadian porn site Pornhub/MindGeek. The heavily redacted briefing note shows that the RCMP shrugged off the allegations being raised by survivors claiming the issue was one of unclear jurisdiction. The briefing note says the RCMP prefers to work on the principle of voluntary compliance with porn giants like Pornhub.

NDP MP Charlie Angus says both the RCMP and the Liberal government continue to fail victims by allowing these platforms to ignore their legal obligations under the child pornography laws and laws against posting non-consensual sexual abuse.

“Canadians have been shocked about the allegations of abusive content on Mindgeek/Pornhub sites”, said Angus. “If children are being assaulted on video they expect the RCMP will investigate. Instead, the RCMP has taken a dive. We learn that the only steps they have taken was to have a friendly conversation with Mindgeek where they decided that voluntary compliance was the best way to go. That’s not acceptable.”

During testimony at the Ethics committee on February 22^nd, RCMP Deputy Commander Stephen White confirmed that the department had not investigated any complaints against Pornhub in the 10 years since the Mandatory Reporting Act was passed by Parliament. The MRA stipulates that if any internet service provider suspect their service is being used to commit a child pornography offence, they must report it to police. According to Commander White, the RCMP have been relying on an American reporting agency to inform them whether or not Canadian law is being affected.

Angus says questions need to be asked of the Liberal justice Minister as to whether Canadian laws protecting children will be enforced. “Our committee has heard testimony about a flood of complaints and allegations of illegal and non- consensual content on Mindgeek/Pornhub platforms. If there are accusations of child sexual abuse online is the Liberal government willing to apply the law? Will they protect these victims? Yes or no?”

Minister David Lametti, Security Minister Bill Blair and RCMP Commissioner Lucki will be testifying at the Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics Committee starting at 11:00 am on Monday, April 12.