Image-Based Abuse: How to Get Intimate Images Removed and Protect Yourself

Image-based abuse occurs when someone creates, shares, or threatens to share an intimate photo or video of a person without their permission. These images, often called nonconsensual intimate images, may be real, digitally altered, or deepfakes generated with artificial intelligence. Recognizing that this form of harm is serious and widespread is the first step toward protecting yourself or a loved one.

Both adults and minors can be targeted. Perpetrators are often motivated by anger, revenge, a desire for control, or financial extortion. For example, a current partner may try to pressure someone into staying in a relationship, an ex-partner may seek retaliation after a breakup, and some offenders threaten to release images unless the victim pays money or sends more intimate content.

Under the Take It Down Act, covered platforms such as social media sites, messaging apps, and image or video sharing services must provide a way to request removal of a nonconsensual intimate image. Once a request is made, the platform must remove the image and known identical copies within 48 hours. This protection applies to real images, digitally altered images, and AI-generated deepfakes. To make a request, log in to your account if you have one and look for a report option, often found under three dots near the image. If you do not have an account, search the platform's help center for instructions. Adults can also use the directory of social media contacts from StopNCII.org, while minors can follow instructions from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

If a platform does not remove the image within 48 hours, report the platform to the Federal Trade Commission at TakeItDown.ftc.gov. You should also report a platform that lacks a removal process or whose request process is not working properly. Keep records of your removal requests, including dates, screenshots, and any responses, to support your report.

Beyond requesting removal from a specific platform, you can take steps to reduce further sharing. Adults who have a copy of the image can use StopNCII.org, a free global tool run by the nonprofit Revenge Porn Helpline, to help prevent it from being posted. Minors can use NCMEC's Take It Down service and report the content through NCMEC's CyberTipline.

Image-based abuse is a crime in many cases, and perpetrators can be reported to local police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. You can submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov, call 1-800-CALL-FBI, or visit an FBI field office. Cases involving minors can also be reported through NCMEC's CyberTipline, where trained analysts process reports and share them with the appropriate law enforcement agency.

If someone threatens to share your intimate image unless you meet their demands, take these steps: report the threat to criminal law enforcement, since blackmail is a serious offense; do not pay, send additional images, share financial account information, or give access to your devices; cut off all contact by blocking the person and ignoring their messages; and speak with a trusted friend, family member, or counselor about what is happening. Complying with demands rarely ends the threats and can lead to further exploitation.

Several organizations offer help for people dealing with image-based abuse. The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), chatting live at thehotline.org, or texting "START" to 88788. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children offers support at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678), via missingkids.org/gethelpnow/support, or by emailing TakeItDown@ncmec.org.

Image-based abuse can spread quickly and cause lasting harm, but victims have clear options. Request removal from the platform and rely on the 48-hour requirement under the Take It Down Act, report non-compliant platforms to the FTC, use available tools to limit spread, report offenders to law enforcement, and never give in to extortion. Reaching out for support is an important part of recovery.