Non-consensual intimate image sharing is defined as posting sexually explicit content without consent, with the intent of humiliation, shame, or blackmail. It is a violation of privacy and can result in extreme emotional trauma. There are various similar forms of online privacy invasions, such as hyper-realistic software-manipulated video or audio content known as deepfake, which can be used to depict intimate images or sexual content with your likeness.

Another very problematic issue that can have serious consequences for privacy is so called doxing, i.e. publishing private information about a person such as their phone number (mobile, home landline, or work phone), home address, email address, copies of identification documents such as ID cards or passports, payment card numbers and so on.

SHARE Foundation and partner organisations developed Cyber Intimacy, a practical guide on how to act when someone shares your intimate content online without your knowledge and consent, with advice on how to collect the evidence, report the content to large online platforms, ask for support from organisations, file a criminal complaint, as well as templates for requesting the removal of the content in question.

Document the situation - Collect all the information (links, messages, etc.) about the intimate content in one place and make sure to update the list accordingly.

Save evidence - Download, use screenshots or screen recording to collect the evidence of your intimate content being posted online in order to submit it for a legal proceeding.

Report the content to the platforms - Make sure to report all the instances of content to the online platforms and keep track of their responses.

Limit your profile visibility - Check who can see your profile: some platforms offer the possibility to make your profile not visible publicly, meaning that you need to approve an account that wants to follow you. See further advice on how to set account privacy on Instagram, X and TikTok. On Facebook, you can set a default audience, so that all your future posts are only visible to your friends for example.

Block and report accounts - Use the Block option to prevent further abuse from accounts through an online service or engaging with the content you share. In addition, make sure to report the accounts posting your private content to the platform.

Remove any publicly visible personal data from your accounts - Review your online profiles and posts and make sure to remove any personal data you might have made public, such as your email address or phone number.

Reduce your online footprint - Limit the visibility of your online content only to your circle of followers or friends. For example, you can limit who can view your Facebook posts and set them to friends only, or set an account to be private using the advice on limiting profile visibility. You can also ask people not to share photos of you online and refrain from tagging you in their posts.

Consider using an anonymous account - In case you need to use an online account for work purposes, create an anonymous account under a made-up name and don’t share it with anyone.

Seek support - Reach out to the organisations which can provide legal assistance and support through the Cyber Intimacy platform.

Report to the police - In case the privacy invasion persists and you feel frightened for your physical safety, call the police without hesitation.