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 certain entities within the MindGeek group (now known as Aylo), as well as several of its directors (collectively, the “Defendants”).
Allegations against the Defendants
The proposed class action alleges that the Defendants, owners, operators or managers of popular adult entertainment and pornography websites such as Pornhub, illegally permitted the dissemination of 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”).
The Defendants are alleged to have monetized the non-consensual content while failing to implement adequate safeguards, policies and procedures to protect victims and ensure that no non-consensual content is found on their websites. The class action further alleges that they failed to employ enough properly trained content moderators to review, screen and remove the non-consensual content on its Websites, that was uploaded by users.
Proposed Class
The proposed class action seeks compensation for all persons in Canada 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 the Defendants, until the date of authorization.
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.
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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.
By emailing Siskinds, I agree that I have read and accept the Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, and I understand that my personal information will be collected, used, and/or disclosed (“processed”) to respond to my inquiry.
Developments
The class action against certain entities within the MindGeek group (now known as Aylo), as well as several of its directors is in the authorization stage. The application for authorization was filed on December 29, 2020. The proposed representative was allowed to proceed under a pseudonym to preserve her anonymity.
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.
On April 1st, 2026, 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 fifth amended application for authorization can be consulted here.
FAQs
Who is affected by the Abuse and Non-Consensual Content on Pornhub?
All persons in Canada 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 Defendants until the date of authorization.
The websites include:
- Pornhub
- Redtube
- YouPorn
- XTube
- Tube8
- PornMd
- Spankwire
- Extreme Tube
- Thumbzilla
- Keez Movies
- Gay Tube
- PornIQ
- Peeperz
- SexTube
- YouPorn Gay
- Mofo Sex
- PornX
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, once it is authorized, 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 authorized, 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.
By emailing Siskinds, I agree that I have read and accept the Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, and I understand that my personal information will be collected, used, and/or disclosed (“processed”) to respond to my inquiry.
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)
Fifth amended application for authorization – April 1st, 2026 (English, French)