What to Do If Intimate Images of You Are Shared Online
The non-consensual sharing of intimate images ('revenge porn') is a criminal offence in England and Wales. Victims have both criminal and civil remedies available, and rapid platform takedown is usually possible.
Quick Answer
Non-consensual sharing of intimate images is a criminal offence under the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 2003 as amended by the Online Safety Act 2023. Report it to the police, use the Revenge Porn Helpline to request emergency takedowns, and consider civil proceedings for misuse of private information. Evidence is critical — screenshot everything before making takedown requests.
Full Explanation
The sharing of intimate images without consent — commonly referred to as 'revenge porn' — has been a criminal offence in England and Wales since 2015. The Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 originally created the offence, and this was significantly extended by the Online Safety Act 2023, which created new offences under the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 2003: (a) sharing intimate images without consent (requiring only that sharing was without consent — no need to prove intent to cause distress); (b) sharing intimate images to cause alarm, distress, or humiliation; and (c) threatening to share intimate images. The maximum sentence for the most serious offence is two years' imprisonment.
For criminal enforcement, report the matter to the police (ideally a specialist online harm unit or a POLIT-trained officer). The police can investigate, seize devices, and pursue prosecution. Gather evidence before reporting: screenshot every instance of the image being shared, including the URL, username, and date. Once a report is made, do not delete anything without taking screenshots first.
For rapid removal of images, the Revenge Porn Helpline (0345 600 0459 / revengepornhelpline.org.uk) provides free support and can liaise directly with major platforms to secure emergency takedowns. This is often faster than individual platform reports. The Internet Watch Foundation can also assist with child sexual abuse material or where the victim was a minor at the time of the image.
Civil remedies are also available. A claim for misuse of private information can be brought in the High Court (Media and Communications List) or county court against the person who shared the images. Damages can include compensation for distress and reputational harm. An interim injunction can be obtained on an urgent without-notice basis to prevent further sharing. Under the Online Safety Act 2023, Ofcom has new enforcement powers against platforms that fail to remove such content.
Under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 and the Online Safety Act 2023, major platforms are now under positive duties to have procedures to respond to reports of intimate image abuse within 24 hours. If a platform fails to remove content promptly after a report, escalate to Ofcom.
Legal Basis
- §Online Safety Act 2023, s.188 and Schedule 7 (intimate image offences)
- §Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015, s.33 (original sharing offence — largely superseded)
- §Protection from Harassment Act 1997 (harassment and stalking remedies)
- §Misuse of Private Information (tort) — Campbell v MGN Ltd [2004] UKHL 22
What To Do
Screenshot and Evidence-Gather Before Requesting Removal
Before doing anything else, take screenshots of every page where the images appear — capturing the URL, username, posting date, and image. This evidence is crucial for police reports, civil claims, and platform reports. Do this calmly and systematically before making any takedown request.
Contact the Revenge Porn Helpline
Call 0345 600 0459 or visit revengepornhelpline.org.uk. They provide free support, can liaise directly with social media platforms and pornography websites to secure emergency removal, and can advise on next steps. Referral to specialist counselling services is also available.
Report to the Police
Report to the police, asking to speak to an officer with specialist training in online harm or intimate image abuse. The police can investigate, obtain warrants for device seizure, and refer the matter to the Crown Prosecution Service for charging. Bring all screenshots and evidence to the reporting meeting.
Make Direct Platform Reports
Report each instance directly through each platform's reporting mechanism using the dedicated intimate images or non-consensual content categories. Most major platforms (Facebook, Instagram, X, OnlyFans-hosted platforms, Reddit) have specific processes for this. Under the Online Safety Act 2023, platforms must respond within 24 hours.
Seek Legal Advice About Civil Remedies
A solicitor specialising in media and privacy law can advise on: an interim injunction to prevent further sharing; a claim for misuse of private information for damages; and a harassment injunction if the perpetrator is known. Legal aid is not available for privacy claims, but some firms act on conditional fee agreements.
Important Deadlines
Important Warnings
Do not confront the perpetrator or contact them directly without legal advice — this can escalate the situation and give them advance notice to delete evidence.
If the images involve anyone under 18 at the time they were taken, report immediately to the Internet Watch Foundation (iwf.org.uk) and police — this constitutes child sexual abuse material (CSAM) regardless of consent.
Be careful about discussing the matter publicly online — statements you make can complicate civil or criminal proceedings.