Private images and personal information
When images meant for no one else were shared
You sent a photo to one person you trusted. Now it's on a site you'd never heard of, or someone is messaging to say they'll send it to your family unless you pay. Or someone took an ordinary picture of your face and turned it into something sexual with an app. None of this is your fault, and you aren't powerless.
If you're being threatened or are in danger, call 911. When you're ready, tell us what happened. You choose how we reach you, and you can use another device or a private browser window if someone may be watching yours.
Sharing without consent can be against the law
Many states treat sharing someone's intimate images without consent as a crime, and many also let the person pictured sue. A federal law gives a right to sue as well. New York's law also covers threats to share, and fake images made with software or AI.
Agreeing to a photo being taken, or sending it to one person, isn't agreeing to its being shared.
Getting images taken down
A federal law, the Take It Down Act, now requires websites and apps built around their users' posts to remove intimate images shared without consent, and known copies, quickly after a valid request. If a platform ignores your request, you can report it to the Federal Trade Commission.
If the images were taken when you were a minor, the Take It Down service from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children can help stop them spreading.
What a claim can do
Depending on the law, a court can order the person to stop sharing, award money for the harm, and make them pay your lawyer fees. The federal law and New York's both allow this. The federal law also lets a court keep your real name off the public record.
If someone is demanding money
Don't pay, and try not to negotiate. Save the messages, report the account to the platform, and consider reporting to the police or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
What helps to have ready
- Screenshots showing the image, where it appeared, the web address and the date.
- Any messages threatening to share images or demanding money, kept and not deleted.
- Who you believe shared them, and how you know.
- Removal requests or reports you made to platforms or the police, and any reference numbers.
- The safest way and time to reach you.
- What to have ready before you talk to a lawyer
A short, practical list you can use for any kind of problem.
Where we fit in
A lawyer at our firm looks at your case. If we take it and another firm is better placed to lead it day to day, we choose that firm from firms we have vetted for their expertise and track record, and we stay responsible for your case with them.
Questions people ask
Will the person who shared my images find out I contacted you?
Not from us. We don't contact anyone about your inquiry without your permission. If a case goes forward, your lawyer will talk with you about keeping your name private, which some laws allow in cases like these.
The images are fake. Does the law still apply?
It can. New York's law covers images created or altered with software or AI, and the federal takedown law covers them too. Other states differ.
How long do I have?
There are time limits, and they differ by law and by state. New York's gives you time counted from when the images were shared or from when you found out, whichever is later. Ask soon rather than assume.
This may also apply
- Sexual abuse and assault
If the images were part of abuse, assault or coercion.
- Your name, photo or private records misused
If your name or photo was used in an ad, or your records were exposed.
More about private images and personal information
This page explains things in general terms. It is not legal advice about your situation, and the law differs from state to state.