Someone is threatening to publish my private photos. Where do I start?
The short answer
You can report the threat before an image is posted. Do not send more material, and ask someone you trust for support. The person making threats is responsible for the blackmail.
What this answer is based onWhat to do
Getting support and reporting the threat matter more than arguing with the blackmailer. Having shared an image does not make the abuse your fault.
- Record the account name, link, time and threat text. Do not forward intimate material to friends as “proof” or download new copies.
- Keep the conversation, then report the threatening message and account in the app and block the contact. Contact local emergency services if there is immediate danger.
- Ask a trusted person for help; if you are under 18, involve a trusted adult. For your own intimate images, check Take It Down if you were under 18 when they were made, or StopNCII’s eligibility if you were 18 or older. Links are below.
What to do now
Find the platform’s report option
You were under 18 when the image was made
Check Take It Down for images of you, even if you are an adult now. Use only a file already on your device; do not ask for, download or send a new copy.
You were 18 or older in the image and are an adult now
Check StopNCII’s eligibility: you must be the person depicted and have the file. Follow its own process; ClearRules does not need the image.
These services share a digital fingerprint with participating platforms, not the image. Their coverage is limited; they cannot remove material from the whole internet.
How to check the result
Check that the immediate safety and reporting steps were taken, and keep any reference. Review the actual outcome and remaining risk; a report or image fingerprint does not establish that the harm has ended.
Check what actually happened. Opening a link, saving a draft or receiving a receipt does not complete the case.
The situation
After a conversation, a new acquaintance sends your follower list: “Transfer €200 tonight or everyone sees the photos.” You are afraid to ask for help because you originally sent the image yourself.
One more example
You are 22 now, but were 17 in the photo
An ex-partner threatens to post an old image. You see Take It Down and assume it is no longer for you because you are an adult.
What to do
Your age when the image was made matters. Take It Down also covers this situation. Use only a file already on your device; do not ask someone to send it or download it to submit a case.
What this answer is based on
Meta Newsroom — Helping Teens Avoid Sextortion Scamsabout.fb.comMeta — Protecting Teens From Sextortion ScamsTake It Down — NCMECStopNCII.org — SWGfLGuide based on Meta’s materialReview details
Source reviewed:
We read the official source listed for this topic. Other Meta rules are reviewed separately.
Primary source reread: . This does not mean every supplementary source, translation or app screen was rechecked.
Read Meta’s explanation of reporting threats and the eligibility pages for Take It Down and StopNCII. This is a route to help, not a promise to remove every copy.
Material published: February 6, 2024
Material updated: September 4, 2025
Include the guide link, language and wording that needs checking. Add an official source link if you have one. Do not send passwords, login codes or photos of identity documents.
Examples are made up to explain the guidance. Meta decides individual account and content cases.
Sources and related topicsPolicy Graph · Demo in development