Be very careful!

The best thing is never to share intimate photos of yourself. Once you do that, the recipient can do whatever he/she wants with the photo: show it to other people, post it on social media, or even edit it however he/she wants before sharing it. Even your boyfriend or girlfriend could show the photo to a friend. And if you break up, what will happen to your photos?

Remember that photos, videos, emails, and texts can live forever. Even if you delete or report posts on certain social media, someone might have taken a screenshot or recorded it during a webcam chat, for example.

If someone asks you to share something that makes you uncomfortable, you have the right to refuse. In the same way, if you’re sent something that could embarrass, hurt, or make fun of someone, don’t post it. Posting an intimate photo of someone without their agreement is illegal!

Can I send a sexy photo of myself without any risk?

It is always risky to send a sexy photo of yourself because once it has been sent, you lose all control over it. Once a text is sent out on the web, your photo can end up anywhere and your friends and family might recognize you even if you hide your face. There might be something in your photo you didn’t think of, such as a tattoo, a piece of jewellery, or the decoration of the room that shows it’s you. Any person who shares your sexy photo can also prove that it’s you who sent it by simply taking a screen capture for example. It is always a risk to share such very personal photos.

Beware of scammers!

If a person you don’t know very well asks for an intimate photo, be careful. Lots of people with bad intentions try to get their hands on this kind of picture. They may then threaten to distribute it to get money or something else.

Webcam scams are common. Someone you don’t know contacts you on social media, for example by Skype or chat. You talk for a long time and a bond of trust is formed between you. Then you move on to the next step: a discussion on webcam. The other person soon asks you to take your clothes off and then suddenly cuts the conversation short. He/she has recorded the pictures of you and threatens to use and distribute them, unless you give him/her something, often money or more intimate photos.

To identify this kind of scam, pay attention! Do you know the person who’s contacting you? Is his/her photo realistic? Have you checked to make sure it wasn’t taken from Google Images? Are the person’s comments logical and consistent? For example, if the person tells you one day that he/she lives in Quebec and another day that it’s the United States, there’s a good chance he/she’s lying!

What can I do if someone’s threatening me?

If someone threatens to post a nude photo or video of you and blackmails you, immediately tell an adult you trust and call the police. This is unacceptable and illegal behaviour in Canada and many other countries. And cut all contact with the person in question. If you need advice, Tel-jeunes is there for you!