What to Do If Someone Leaks Your Intimate Photos
The First 60 Minutes
You just discovered your intimate images are online without your consent. What you do right now matters. Follow these steps in order.
Any contact alerts them that you know. This frequently triggers retaliation — re-uploading to more platforms, escalating harassment, or destroying evidence. Stay silent. Act strategically.
Do NOT Create Accounts on the Site
Many leak sites harvest your data during registration. Creating an account ties your identity to the content and can be used against you.
Screenshot Everything
Capture every page with the URL bar visible. This is your evidence. Courts and platforms require proof that content existed at a specific URL at a specific time.
- Use your device's built-in screenshot tool
- Include the full browser window with address bar
- Capture usernames, timestamps, and any comments
Record URLs and Details
Copy every URL to a text file. Note:
- Date and time you discovered each instance
- Usernames or profile names associated with the upload
- Any identifying information about the uploader
- Platform names and specific page types
Do NOT Download the Content
Downloading intimate images — even your own — from certain platforms can create legal complications. In cases involving minors, downloading is a federal crime regardless of who is depicted. Let professionals or law enforcement handle acquisition.
You do not need to handle this alone:
- Cyber Civil Rights Initiative: 1-844-878-2274
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- RAINN: 1-800-656-4673
Hours 2-24: Take Action
Use each platform's NCII reporting mechanism (not standard DMCA). See our platform reporting guide for exact steps per platform.
File a Police Report
Even if prosecution seems unlikely, a police report:
- Creates an official record
- Strengthens removal requests
- Preserves your options for civil action
- May be required for certain platform reports
Many attorneys offer free consultations for NCII cases. Consider contacting one if:
- You know who leaked the images
- The images appear on many platforms
- You are being extorted or blackmailed
- The content involves minors (contact law enforcement immediately)
Start a Professional Scan
A zero-knowledge scan can identify everywhere your content appears without creating new copies of your images. IntimaShield's scan computes a hash on your device — your photos never leave your phone or computer.
Start your free scan
The First Week
Monitor for Spread
Content often migrates from one platform to others within days. Ongoing monitoring catches new instances before they gain traction.
Follow Up on Reports
If platforms haven't responded within their stated SLA:
- Tier 1 platforms: Follow up after 48 hours
- Tier 2 platforms: Follow up after 5 business days
- Tier 3 platforms: Escalate to hosting provider immediately
Request Search Engine De-indexing
Even if the source site hasn't removed content yet, you can request de-indexing from Google and Bing. This removes the content from search results, dramatically reducing discoverability.
Protect Yourself Going Forward
Enable StopNCII.org
StopNCII.org allows you to generate hashes of your intimate images. Participating platforms will block matching uploads before they go live.
Document Everything for Legal Action
If you plan to pursue civil or criminal action, maintain a detailed timeline of:
- When you discovered each instance
- Every report you filed and the response
- Any communications from the uploader
- Financial costs incurred
- Emotional and psychological impact
Consider Ongoing Monitoring
One-time removal is not enough. Re-uploads are common, especially from Tier 3 offshore sites. Professional monitoring catches new instances within hours rather than weeks.