We spoke to attorneys and ordinary people about what you can do if someone threatens to leak pictures.

The first thing that someone should do if they are threatened with leaking pictures is to file a police report. The definition of extortion varies by state, but the general understanding is when someone uses a threat to coerce someone’s behaviour.

This action is illegal and if someone is facing threats of this nature, the matter can and should be referred to the police.

-W. Scott Kimberly, ATTORNEY AT LAW, Murfreesboro, TN, www.MurfreesboroLawyer.com

What to do about revenge porn

If someone threatens to leak compromising or sexual photographs and you live in the United States, the best defence is a good offence. In other words, you may not need to wait for the leak to occur before taking action.

42 U.S. states have passed “revenge porn” laws which prohibit the publication or distribution of images [with the intent to harm, harass, or annoy] depicting nudity and/or sexual acts.

Depending on the state, conviction of a “revenge porn” crime also may require the perpetrator to register as a sex offender. The stakes of leaking sexual images are almost certainly higher than most people are aware of.

If someone is threatening to post images that might qualify as “revenge porn,” notifying law enforcement is a reasonable first step. Even though no crime has been committed (yet), a call or visit from the police may be sufficient to shut down an overzealous stalker.

Sending police to the person’s home

Should a visit from a police officer not stop the threats, the next step would be to seek a Temporary Restraining Order/Protective Order from your local prosecutor’s office. Forcing the stalker/offender to face a judge and engage in the legal system will quell most threats.

But what if preventative measures fail? Should the person actually post sexual or nude images somewhere, you should contact your prosecutor’s office and ask to bring charges against the offender.

Some states allow you to sue the offender directly for monetary damages. A note of caution, though, is that these lawsuits can be difficult to win.

It may be difficult to prove real, demonstrable harm despite the seriousness of the offence — and embarrassment may be insufficient reason to award damages in many states.

In the case of protecting your privacy, though, damages are likely to last on your mind. Your first and best course is to ensure that the person threatening you grasps that the penalty to them will likely be longer lasting–and criminal–than it would be harmful to you.

This can set you on a path to once again feeling safe and could convince someone to think twice before, again, threatening to use someone’s private moments to avenge personal affronts.

Neal F. Eggeson, Eggeson Privacy Law

https://indianaprivacylaw.com/

Blackmail is never okay

Regardless of the circumstances surrounding any situation, blackmail is never acceptable. Therefore, if someone threatens to leak pictures as a way to blackmail you to do something for them or give them something, keep a record of the threats as evidence.

In most cases, chances are that the person threatening will not go ahead with their threats even when you do not give in to their threats.

If they do and you still go ahead and leak the pictures, the evidence of them threatening you that you have can be used when you decide to take legal action against them.

Understanding and Mitigating Threats to Leak Personal Images Online

Yes, you may not be able to prevent them from actualizing their threats, but you can use the evidence to make them pay for tainting your reputation. After all, it is against the law in many countries to wrongfully taint another’s name.

Riding on this law, the person may be forced to compensate you for damaging your reputation. It can also be the best way to give evidence in the courts of law as to why the person does not deserve whatever they are blackmailing you for.

You can save yourself from exploitation in this way by people with malicious intentions.

-Jonathan Merry, http://banklesstimes.com/

What to do when someone threatens to expose photos of you?

here are several options other than trying to appease or otherwise dissuade the person or entity making this threat.
The first is to go to the authorities with the hope that the party will be identified quickly enough to prevent damage.

Whether or not that will be prioritized depends on the type of information in question, the information available about the person or entity making the threats, and the resources available to the authorities.

Generally “self-help” in criminal situations is ill-advised, but finding identifying information if the individual or entity is not known through private channels can be used to help the authorities resolve the situation.

Finally, if the threat is relatively serious and it is obvious that the dispute over the pictures cannot be resolved amicably and that the likelihood of the party being apprehended is relatively low, it is worthwhile to assess and mitigate the damages to one’s reputation and livelihood which may result from the exposure.

Potential damage to their own reputation

Assuming that the likely damage goes beyond immediate personal life such as relationships with immediate family or close friends, it is worth preparing ground that can soften the blow for all involved, and “inoculate” the likely audience about the potential leak.

That will make the leakers far less sympathetic to the general public, and the revelations less shocking and less interesting.

It is also always worth warning any parties that could be directly impacted by the leak about any potential damage to their own reputation to give them an opportunity to take relevant measures.

It is also worth retaining an attorney, and if the person or entity is known and identifiable, to file a cease and desist letter that can be followed by appropriate civil legal action.

Minimize potential publicity

Depending on the scope of the potential fallout, measures should be taken to minimize potential publicity. How the story is presented matters. Context matters.

If the story concerns a relatively obscure professional and the target audience is his or her workplace, it may be sufficient to warn one’s place of business and take appropriate measures.

If the leak concerns a well-known public figure and is likely to become an item of interest in the mainstream media and/or social media, it is worth taking the time to do research on the likely targets and to develop negotiation strategies with the media to prevent that story from taking too much press time.

Again, whether the pictures are likely to end up in a tabloid, on social media, in a small local publication, or with a reputable national channel or print medium matters and will impact the level of preparation needed to minimize the damage in advance and to prepare an appropriate response or information.

Honesty is the best policy

Honesty is the best policy in such situations; if one tries to deny the veracity of such pictures and later it turns out the other party has evidence of their source, that will in addition to the public image damage also damage the credibility of the victim.

If the leaks are of a deeply personal nature, and the person attacked is a public figure, a supportive spouse willing to appear in public, and an attitude of self-reflection and transparency from the victim, will make the situation much more sympathetic.

-Irina Tsukerman, www.thewashingtonoutsider.com

Being the victim of blackmail

When someone threatens to leak your photos, it can be frightening.

Anyone can fall victim to blackmail and here’s what to do to protect yourself:

Screenshot or record the contents of the conversations as evidence you can use when reporting to the police.

Do not panic. Panicking due to fear of embarrassment or fear that your reputation will soon be tarnished will only make you fall prey, become a victim of scams or do things that you might regret in the future.

Try talking to a trusted friend or lawyer and explaining everything you are going through. A problem shared is a problem half solved two heads are better than one. Together, the both of you can come up with a strategy to call their bluff.

Responding to the Danger: Threats to Leak Pictures

If that doesn’t work, make a public statement to share your side of the story.

Deactivate your social media handles for a while or just untag yourself from any unwanted posts and continue with your life as if nothing happened.

This might be a difficult period for you. Speak with a therapist if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Don’t forget to report it to the police. 18 U.S. Code section 873 is the federal law that protects you from blackmail, especially if the blackmailer fails to conceal his identity effectively.

-Lynne Martin, https://cashforhouses.org/

File an image-based abuse report

In my opinion, you can file an image-based abuse report with safety if someone has threatened to share your photos. No matter your age, you can submit a report.

If you’d like, you can enlist the help of a friend or other responsible adult to complete the form.

Most social media platforms prohibit threats to post or broadcast someone else’s photos or videos without that person’s permission. The eSafety Guide, therefore, contains reporting links as well as other helpful information if you would rather report to the social media provider yourself.

Giving someone what they want, in my opinion, is never a good idea since they will almost certainly keep begging for more. You must immediately cut off all communication with them.

Make screenshots of the threats and associated accounts because having this proof will be useful if you decide to contact eSafety or the police.

-Gary Hunter, https://comparegolfprices.co.uk/

Someone threatens to leak pictures

Leaking photos can be a form of cybercrime or sex crime depending on the state laws and evidence. It may be difficult to speak up or to ask authorities for help because the feeling of shame and embarrassment may consume a person, but the best way to combat this threat is to take legal action. And you have the right to press charges against these people.

It is important to assess your situation and know the law of your state or country because the charges may differ depending on where you live.

In the US, holding pictures for ransom is blackmailing, and blackmailing is a criminal offence and is punishable by imprisonment for a maximum of 14 years. It is a different case depending on age as well. It is important to have evidence when taking legal action to support your claims.

-Ben Grindlow, https://proxpn.com/

Someone is threatening to share my nudes

If someone threatens to leak private pictures, try and reason with the individual and see if there is anything that can be done to dissuade them from going through with the leak. This could involve offering to pay them off or making some sort of concession.

If that doesn’t work, the next step would be to try and track down the pictures and have them deleted or destroyed before they can be made public. This might involve hiring a hacker or a private investigator.

If someone threatens to leak pictures, you can also contact the authorities or a lawyer to see if there is anything they can do to help you.

What to do when someone is exposing you?

Finally, you can try and take measures to protect yourself, such as changing your passwords and ensuring that your accounts are secure.

If all else fails, the last resort would be to go public with the information before the individual can leak it, in order to take away their power.

-Brandon, tbps-outreach.co

We know how fear-inducing it is when someone threatens to leak your picture online. Many of us know how fear-inducing it is when someone is threatening to leak your picture online. Many people across the world fear having their pictures leaked.

I have experienced this first-hand. This is sexual extortion that no one has to experience. In dealing with this situation, you must remember it is not your fault.

The first thing that comes to mind in this scenario is to blame yourself for letting them have your pictures, but that is not fair. Just because you send them pictures, that does not mean they can share them. Sending them those photos is putting your faith in them to keep your personal information private. Then, you should document everything.

What if someone holds your ransom nudes?

Screenshot and save all the messages that can prove that they are threatening you and that they will let others see your pictures. This is abuse, and it is illegal. So, when you bring the matter to the authorities, you will have solid proof of what they are doing to you. Lastly, report to the police.

If someone asks you for anything in return for not leaking your pictures, the best way to handle it is to let the police know and provide them with all the information they need to catch the culprit and bring you justice.

This situation is stressful and can affect your mental health, so you also have to make sure you seek help not only from the police but also from a psychiatrist. They can help you deal with this threat without having to damage you mentally.

-Freya Green, Ombreprom.co.uk

What is the best way to deal with someone?

If someone threatens to leak private pictures or information, the best course of action is to contact law enforcement immediately. This type of threat is a form of blackmail, and it is a serious crime. Trying to negotiate with the person making the threat is unlikely to be successful, and it may give them a sense of power or control.

Additionally, do not attempt to take matters into your own hands by trying to track down the person yourself. This could escalate the situation and put you in danger. Remember, safety is always the top priority. If you are being threatened, reach out for help from professional law enforcement officials.

-Oberon Copeland, Owner & CEO Of Veryinformed.com

How to Handle Threats to Leak Your Photos

Leaking a person’s pictures can be distressing to the person’s well-being and image. Being blackmailed to do this is also destructive and sometimes it may be anonymous or by someone that you know, ranging from an ex to a jealous acquaintance or someone that is jealous of you or is in it for the money they could get from you.

When you’re threatened by someone that they would leak your pictures that are possibly incriminating or could jeopardize your image and career, you should not panic and act out of fear.

The first thing to do is to forgive yourself and go easy on yourself. It is easy to blame yourself but this isn’t a time to start regretting. You have to try to let go of regretful thoughts so that they don’t misguide your decision-making.

Revenge porn: What to do

The second thing you should do is document evidence of blackmail. Take necessary pictures of the blackmail and the sender. If it was a physical threat, make sure someone gets it on video or witnesses the event in case you need to present it in court.

Thirdly, speak to a trusted friend, family member, or colleague about it for proper guidance and support. It may be difficult navigating it all alone, but having support would make you feel much better about yourself.

Then report to the police or organizations that specialize in cases like these, which would help you to pursue the case.

Threatens to leak pictures conclusion

If the person/blackmailer is a familiar person, you should not confront the person alone as they may not listen or be compelled to not share it. The best thing to do is to report them to the authorities immediately or speak to someone who the person respects, to take the picture down or have it deleted permanently.

You should be more careful about the kind of pictures you take. You should try not to let your face or voice be seen/heard if you have to take suggestive pictures as those are pretty deniable and cannot be used as leverage against you.

-Joseph Puglisi, datingiconic.com

You can learn more about the law by reading our blog.