Cyberstalking and Online Harassment in Canada — Canada
Sourced from Canadian federal statutes and official sources. Provincial information reflects each province's own legislation and court rulings. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Canadian cyberstalking and online harassment fall under Criminal Code s.264 (criminal harassment / stalking) — up to 10 years on indictment. s.162.1 covers NCII; s.372 (false messages, indecent communications) covers harassing communications. Investigation: local police.
When does it apply?
- Repeated unwanted contact.
- Doxxing — public disclosure of identifying information.
- Threats.
- Image-based abuse.
Filing a Cyberstalking Complaint in Canada
- Block, mute, document.
- Report to local police citing Criminal Code s.264 / s.372 / s.162.1.
- For physical-safety risk, 911.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't engage the stalker.
- Don't post screenshots publicly before reporting.
About Data Privacy & Digital Rights in Canada
Canada's privacy framework is federated. PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act) covers the federally-regulated private sector. The Privacy Act covers the federal public sector. Quebec's Law 25 (formerly Bill 64) applies stricter rules to private-sector data processing of Quebec residents. BC's PIPA and Alberta's PIPA are substantially similar provincial private-sector laws. Regulator: OPC (Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada) federally; provincial Privacy Commissioners in Quebec (Commission d'accès à l'information), BC, AB. For NCII, Criminal Code s.162.1 (in force from Bill C-13, 2014) criminalises non-consensual distribution of intimate images — up to 5 years.
Common Questions
What is criminal harassment under s.264?
Criminal Code s.264 criminalises repeated following, communication, watching, or behaving in a threatening manner that causes the victim reasonably to fear for their safety. Penalties up to 10 years on indictment; up to 2 years summary. Applies online too.
What is the cyberstalking and online harassment in canada right in Canada?
Canadian cyberstalking and online harassment fall under Criminal Code s.264 (criminal harassment / stalking) — up to 10 years on indictment. s.162.1 covers NCII; s.372 (false messages, indecent communications) covers harassing communications. Investigation: local police.
When does cyberstalking and online harassment in canada apply?
Repeated unwanted contact.Doxxing — public disclosure of identifying information.Threats.Image-based abuse.
How do I report online harassment in Canada?
Block, mute, document.Report to local police citing Criminal Code s.264 / s.372 / s.162.1.For physical-safety risk, 911.
What mistakes should I avoid with cyberstalking and online harassment in canada?
Don't engage the stalker.Don't post screenshots publicly before reporting.