On December 29, 2020, Siskinds, Desmeules Avocats, the Quebec law firm affiliated with Siskinds LLP, in collaboration with Sotos Class Actions, commenced a proposed class action against MindGeek entities.
Allegations against MindGeek
The proposed class action alleges that MindGeek, the parent company behind popular adult entertainment and pornography websites such as Pornhub, illegally disseminated intimate videos and photos, including child sexual abuse material, sexual assaults, as well as intimate images of person who did not consent to the public dissemination of their images (hereinafter the “nonconsensual content”).
MindGeek is alleged to have monetized the nonconsensual content while failing to implement adequate safeguards, policies and procedures to protect victims and ensure that no nonconsensual content is found on their websites. The class action further alleges that MindGeek failed to employ enough properly trained content moderators to review, screen and remove the nonconsensual content on its Websites, that was uploaded by users.
Compensation sought for victims
The proposed class action seeks compensation for all persons in Canada who, since 2007, had intimate videos or photos (including child sexual abuse material, images of sexual assault and non-consensual intimate images) posted without their consent to a website owned or operated by one of the MindGeek entities, either directly or indirectly.
Join the MindGeek class action
Think you may be a member of this Canadian class action lawsuit against MindGeek or know someone who might be? Any information shared with us will remain confidential.
Need more information?
Please email [email protected] or call us at 418.694.2009 or toll-free at 1.877.735.3842 to learn more if you may be eligible to participate in this class action.
Developments
The MindGeek (Pornhub) class action is in the early stages of the legal proceedings. The hearing for authorization will be held on March 19 and 20, 2026. At the authorization stage, the court will determine whether the action should properly proceed as a class action.
To preserve the anonymity of the representative, an application was filed to be authorized to use a pseudonym, which can be viewed here (English, French).
On May 5, 2025, the Court partially granted a motion to strike allegations and exhibits filed by some of the defendants. Following this decision, the applicant removed the stricken allegations and exhibits from the amended application for authorization (2).
On December 12, 2025, the application for authorization was amended again to add certain allegations regarding the defendants and the damages suffered by the members of the proposed class. A copy of the application for authorization (4) can be consulted here.
FAQs
Who is affected by the Abuse and Non-Consensual Content on Pornhub?
All persons in Canada, since 2007, who had intimate videos or photos (including child sexual abuse material, images of sexual assault and non-consensual intimate images) posted without their consent to a website owned or operated by one of the MindGeek entities, either directly or indirectly.
Can I join the MindGeek class action?
There are no steps required to “join” the MindGeek class action. Assuming you fall within the scope of the class definition, you are automatically included in the proposed class action unless you “opt out” (exclude yourself from the class action).
Can I exclude myself from the MindGeek class action?
Yes. If the MindGeek class action is certified, you will be given an opportunity to opt out (exclude yourself from the class action). If you opt out, you will not be able to participate in any settlement or court award achieved in the class action, but you may be able to pursue your claim on an individual basis. Generally speaking, you would only want to opt out of a class action if you intend to bring an individual action. In most circumstances, it is more cost effective to participate in a class action because the legal costs are spread over a large number of people, making it more economic for any individual class member to obtain relief.
I still have questions. Who should I contact?
For answers to common questions about class actions in Canada, such as timelines, eligibility, and settlement information, please visit our Class Action Lawsuit FAQ page.
If you have any other questions, please complete the Get in Touch form below or email us at [email protected] or call us at 418.694.2009 or toll-free at 1.877.735.3842.
Documents
Application for authorization to institute a class action – December 29, 2020 (English, French)
Application for leave to use a pseudonym – December 29, 2020 (English, French)
Amended application for authorization - November 29, 2021 (English, French)
Re-amended application for authorization - June 27, 2024 (English, French)
Re-re-amended application for authorization - May 27, 2025 (English, French)
Re-re-re-amended application for authorization - December 12, 2025 (English, French)