Private Images of You Are Posted Online
If intimate or private images of you have been posted online without your consent — sometimes called revenge porn or intimate image abuse — this is a criminal offence in England and Wales. This page explains the criminal law, civil remedies, and practical first steps.
Quick Answer
Sharing intimate images without consent is a criminal offence under the Online Safety Act 2023 s.188 and the Sexual Offences Act 2003 as amended. Contact the Revenge Porn Helpline (0345 6000 459) for emergency removal support, report to police, and request platform takedown. Civil injunctions are available in urgent cases.
Full Explanation
The Online Safety Act 2023 s.188 created a new offence of sharing an intimate image without consent, extending the previous offence under the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 s.33. The 2023 Act also created offences of threatening to share such images (s.192) and of AI-generated deepfake intimate images under s.188(2). These offences carry a maximum sentence of two years' imprisonment for the most serious cases.
For the purposes of the offence, an 'intimate image' includes images showing exposed genitals, buttocks, or breasts, or images showing a person engaged in sexual activity, taken in circumstances where the person had a reasonable expectation of privacy. The offence is committed by sharing without consent and without a reasonable belief in consent.
In addition to the criminal route, civil remedies are available. The tort of misuse of private information protects private images — a court can grant an injunction to prevent further sharing and award damages including for distress. The UK GDPR Art 17 (right to erasure) gives individuals the right to demand deletion of personal data — including images — from online platforms.
Platforms subject to the Online Safety Act 2023 have duties to remove intimate image abuse content promptly on notification. Ofcom can require platforms to take down illegal content and has enforcement powers. For emergency removal, the Revenge Porn Helpline (run by the SWGfL charity) operates a dedicated removal service and can liaise directly with major platforms.
Preserve all evidence before reporting — screenshot the post, URL, and the perpetrator's profile information. Do not engage with the perpetrator or ask them to remove it, as this can encourage further abuse.
Legal Basis
- §Online Safety Act 2023 s.188 — offence of sharing intimate images without consent
- §Online Safety Act 2023 s.192 — offence of threatening to share intimate images
- §Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 s.33 — original revenge porn offence (still applies to conduct before 2023 Act commencement)
- §UK GDPR Art 17 — right to erasure of personal data held by platforms
What To Do
Preserve Evidence Before Doing Anything Else
Take screenshots of the image, the URL, the platform page, any accompanying text, and the perpetrator's profile. Do not alter the images. Note the date and time you discovered each image. This evidence will be needed by police, the platform, and any court.
Do Not Contact the Perpetrator
Contacting the person who posted the image — even to ask them to remove it — can escalate the situation and may be used against you. Let the police and legal professionals handle communication.
Report to the Platform and the Revenge Porn Helpline
Use the platform's reporting mechanism to flag the content as non-consensual intimate imagery. Simultaneously, contact the Revenge Porn Helpline on 0345 6000 459 (Monday to Friday, 10am–4pm) or via revengepornhelpline.org.uk. They provide free confidential support and have a dedicated removal service with major platforms.
Report to the Police
Report the offence to your local police force or via Action Fraud (0300 123 2040). Ask for the report to be recorded as an intimate image abuse offence under the Online Safety Act 2023. The police can investigate the perpetrator and apply for court orders to remove content.
Consider a Civil Injunction If Images Are Still Circulating
If images continue to circulate despite reports, a solicitor can apply for a without-notice injunction in the High Court to prevent further publication and compel takedown. Legal aid may be available for domestic abuse-related cases.
Important Deadlines
Important Warnings
Do not pay any money to a person threatening to share images — this rarely stops the behaviour and marks you as likely to pay again.
Do not delete your own evidence. Even if the images cause distress, preserve all screenshots and URLs — you will need them for the police and any legal action.
Reporting to Ofcom is available if the platform fails to comply with its Online Safety Act duties — Ofcom can impose fines and require content removal.