Many people partake in sexting. The American Psychological Association found that 8 in 10 adults have sent a risqué text within the last year. Even if you only send them to your significant other, relationships don’t always last. Furthermore, what if you never sent them at all? The only thing that matters is your intimate photos are now public, and you need to act fast. Keep reading to learn what revenge porn is and how our experts suggest you respond.
What is Revenge Porn?
Revenge porn, now commonly referred to as Non-Consensual Intimate Image (NCII) distribution, is exactly what the modern name suggests. It’s the act of sharing intimate content depicting another individual without their consent. The content can be captured with or without initial consent. It could even be AI-manufactured deepfake media.
While this content may initially be shared within a consensual relationship, its unauthorized distribution is a violation of privacy. Victims endure public humiliation, harassment, reputational damage, and emotional trauma. Cybercriminals typically share the material on different social media platforms, adult websites, or mass text messages.
Is Revenge Porn Illegal?
Yes, in many countries, the non-consensual distribution of intimate images is a criminal offense. Nations like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia impose severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment. These laws hold perpetrators accountable, regardless of their location, and aim to deter intimate image abuse.
The U.S. tightened down on NCII distribution by signing the TAKE IT DOWN Act in May 2025. The law criminalizes the publication of NCII with up to two years in prison. Cases involving minors hold the potential for up to three years of imprisonment. TAKE IT DOWN also requires online platforms to remove the content within 48 hours of being notified.
Are Sexual Extortion and Revenge Porn the Same?
No, they are two distinct crimes. While both involve NCII abuse, the former is classified as an act of extortion and the latter an act of abuse. You can learn more about the distinction between the two crimes in our comparison article.
Why Are Revenge Porn Cases Increasing?
In the digital age, it’s easy to create anonymous accounts and post without fear of being identified. This, paired with VPNs and other technologies, has created an environment where accountability is easily avoided.
While it does provide some anonymity, it does not prevent certain professionals from investigating and discovering the culprits. As many who were involved in an act of revenge porn have discovered, it only takes the involvement of the right forensic expert to discover the IP, device, and identity of the person who had originated the content.
Are You a Victim of Revenge Porn?
Discovering that someone you trusted has shared your intimate content can be devastating. In some cases, perpetrators even create deepfakes or montages to further damage a victim’s reputation. It is essential to remember that sharing intimate material without consent is a crime. As the victim, you are not to blame for the actions of the criminal.
That being said, you hold the responsibility of reporting these individuals to the proper authorities. Not only does this help hold the criminals accountable, but it also allows these agencies to track cybercrime trends. Reporting helps create an environment where all internet users are better protected from crimes like revenge porn.
Take Immediate Action
- Document Everything. Take screenshots of the evidence you have from the incident. This includes the account that distributed your images and any messages between you and the perpetrator.
- Avoid Interaction. It may be tempting to confront the person who leaked your content. However, our experts suggest you delay any direct communication while you work with law enforcement and other professionals.
Work With Professionals
- Report the Incident to the Police. Most law enforcement officers can take immediate action on your behalf with proper proof of the crime. If not, they can document the crime and advise you to an agency who can help.
- Consult with Cyber Security Experts. If the perpetrator attempted to cover their tracks by posting anonymously, you may wish to consult a cybersecurity firm. Many of these professionals can also work with you to remove your content from different sites or applications.
- Work with an Attorney. With the right evidence, an attorney can work to pursue civil and criminal suits for the damages.
Please note that if you are a minor or the content depicts you as a minor, you should report the incident to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Law enforcement handles acts of revenge porn involving minors with different considerations.
Real-World Case: Facebook Revenge Porn Group
From 2019 up until May 2025, a dormant group existed on Facebook, according to Meta. However, between May and August, it became a place where users would nonconsensually share intimate images of their wives.
Named “Mia Moglie”, or “My Wife” in Italian, the Facebook group reached over 32,000 members at its peak. Men volunteered their wives’ most vulnerable moments without their knowledge. Comments objectifying, demeaning, and threatening the women flooded the posts in the group.
Meta removed the group after author Carolina Capria shared a post condemning it online, garnering attention and outcry. Italy made the distribution of sexually explicit content without consent illegal in 2019. Members of the group face up to six years in prison.
The Damage Caused by Revenge Porn
The consequences of revenge porn are severe and far-reaching. Victims often experience anxiety, depression, social isolation, and professional setbacks. According to the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative, 93% of victims experience significant emotional trauma, with 42% requiring psychological therapy. 83% reported significant social or occupational impairment. Despite the challenges, numerous organizations and professionals work tirelessly to help victims reclaim their lives.
The Road to Recovery for Victims of Revenge Porn
While the journey to recovery may seem daunting, there are actionable steps victims can take:
- Identify the Perpetrators. Everything in the digital world leaves behind a trail of residual evidence, like a cyber-fingerprint.
- Collaborate with Law Enforcement. Seeking justice is your right as a victim. Report the crime to the proper agencies who can help you take legal action.
- Work to Remove the Content. The timeframe for removing your content from the internet can differ. However, there are different companies that can assist you with this.
How Cybersecurity Experts Can Help
Some of the evidence in cases of cybercrimes like revenge porn are embedded deep within the backend of the exchange. It’s often difficult to access and extract this data alone. Luckily, there are cybersecurity experts who can help.
These professionals have proprietary tools and techniques that are inaccessible to the average internet user. They can derive evidence from metadata to identify the geolocation, device network, and identity of the perpetrator.
This information can be used to take legal action against your abuser. Furthermore, cybersecurity experts can help you identify any instances of exposure and have them removed. They can even advise you on practices you can implement to be safer online moving forward.
If you ever need help dealing with revenge porn, our team of experts are standing by and ready to help. You can contact us any time to connect with one our specialists and start taking back control.
