Extortion with Nude Images or Videos
It’s not uncommon for private nude images or videos to be used to extort a person. This phenomenon is also known as sextortion. Victim Support Finland regularly handles cases where an extortionist threatens to release private sexual images unless the victim pays or complies with other demands.
If you are being threatened with the release of an intimate image or video, you can take the following steps:
1. Don’t Pay the Extortionist
Paying the extortionist or agreeing to other demands won’t solve the situation. More requests for money or other things may follow, and there’s no guarantee the material won’t be published even if you comply.
2. Save All Communications
Save all messages, images, and videos sent by the extortionist. Don’t delete anything – these are important pieces of evidence if you decide to make a police report.
3. File a Police Report
File a police report as soon as possible. You can file a report online or at a police station. Extortion is a crime, and while a report doesn’t always prevent the image from being published, it’s an important step in investigating the crime. When images of minors are involved, the situation is particularly serious.
Threats and extortion involving images may meet the criteria for a criminal offense. Besides extortion, it may also involve the unauthorized distribution of a sexual image.
4. If Images Are Published, File Another Police Report
If the material is published, file another police report. Also, contact the social media platforms where the images were posted and request their removal. Many services are quick to remove illegal content.
If you are an adult, you can use the StopNCII.org service. This free tool helps prevent the spread of intimate images or videos online.
Remember, you are not responsible for the criminal’s actions, and you have the right to protect your privacy. Sharing your own nude images or videos with, for example, a partner is entirely legal. It is wrong and punishable for someone to abuse your trust.
If You’re Threatened with the Distribution of a Deepfake Image or Video
Deepfakes are realistic but fundamentally manipulated images or videos created using AI techniques. For example, it’s possible to change a person’s face in a video, making the fabricated content appear real. The term “deepfake” comes from “deep learning” and “fake.”
If you’re threatened with the release of a deepfake image or video depicting you or a loved one, save all possible evidence, such as original images and videos, as well as messages from the perpetrator.
File a police report. Sharing an offensive deepfake image or video depicting another person without consent may meet the criteria for a crime. You have the right to defend your privacy and dignity.
Distributing manipulated images can cause psychological and social harm.
Need Advice?
Victim Support Finland offers support and practical advice during the criminal process. You can contact us in the following ways:
- Victim Support Finland 116 006: (Mon–Thu 9 am–6 pm and Fri 9 am–4 pm)
- RIKUchat: (Mon–Thu 9 am–6 pm and Fri 9 am–4 pm) (the chat window opens from the button in the bottom corner of the page)
All our services are free and confidential.