The criminal code is fairly broad in the way that is defines child pornography. Images and videos that show sexual acts involving children clearly fall under this term, but it's important to note that some other types of materials are listed as well. For example, texts that refer to these same sexual acts can be considered child porn, as can images that don't technically even contain children.
This last sounds surprising to many people, but these charges generally come about when photo processing systems are used to take images that are not child pornography and make them appear to be. This could be done by combining two or more pictures, one of which shows legal sexual acts between adults and one of which is a non-offense picture of children, making it look as though the children are involved.
It's important for people to know that this stipulation is laid out in the law, as some may think of this as a loophole. While there are ways to defend yourself against charges and you absolutely need to know about your rights and the legal options you have in Ottawa, this is not one of them. Those who knowingly alter pictures in this fashion can still be charged just as if the pictures were authentic.
Finally, you must note that it's not just illegal to make these materials, but to have them in your possession at all. This means that, if someone else emails something to you or texts it to your phone, with or without your permission, you may face legal charges just for failing to erase the materials that were sent to you, if you had the time and means to do so.
Source: Ottawa Police, "Child Pornography," accessed Oct. 07, 2015
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