Sextortion

What is Sextortion?

Sextortion is a form of cyber-extortion which involves a threat to share intimate content such as images or video clips without an individual’s consent. Sextortion can occur when intimate content is shared with an individual online, who then threatens to publicly distribute the images or videos if their demands are not met. They may threaten to share the content publicly on social media, or to send it to an individual’s friends, family, or workplace. Oftentimes they will demand money (sometimes in the form of bitcoin or gift vouchers), but they may use other forms of blackmail such as demands for an individual to share more intimate content with them.

What is “intimate content”?

Intimate content refers to any images or videos of:

• An individual’s genitals, buttocks, breasts, or anal region.
• Underwear covering these parts of an individual’s body.
• A naked person
• An individual engaged in any form of sexual activity.

Intimate content can also include intimate information, texts, or recordings.

Warning Signs

Oftentimes, perpetrators of this type of crime are quite sophisticated, and their intentions may not always be evident from the start. However, there are a few common warning signs to look out for:

• If their online profile appears inconsistent and something about them doesn’t add up.
• If they are overly flirtatious early in the relationship, and request that you send them intimate images or videos.
• If they suggest trading intimate images/videos with you early in an online conversation.

If you have been a victim:

If you have been a victim of sextortion, it is first important for you to know that you are not alone – it happens to many people of all backgrounds; it is a criminal offence; and there is support available to you. There are steps that you can take:

• Do not communicate any further with the perpetrator, block all contact/ social media accounts.
• Report any profiles to the social media platform.
• Retain evidence – take screenshots of all communication and the accounts involved.
• If the content has been shared online, save the URL link to where the content has been posted.
• Do not send money or any additional intimate content.
• If possible, confide in your close family/friends. Tell them not to open or engage with any suspicious messages they may receive.
• You can make a report to An Garda Síochána – whether someone is threatening to share intimate content or has already shared it without your consent.

You can also make a report to an online reporting facility Hotline.ie who will work with the online platform where intimate content has been shared without someone’s consent in order to have the material removed.

Oftentimes victims feel as though they are to blame and as such are reluctant to report these incidents or seek support. The shame is not yours to carry – it lies solely with the perpetrators of these offences. It is a crime and there is support available.

If you have been a victim of sextortion or would like any further information or support, please reach out to the Crime Victims Helpline by free phoning 116 006.

Further information and the online reporting facility can be found at Hotline.ie.