Intimate images spread without consent: act immediately and get them deleted

Spreading intimate recordings without consent is a serious intrusion into your intimate sphere, and a criminal offense. You have a claim to immediate deletion and to have it stop, you can file a complaint and demand damages or compensation for pain and suffering. Acting quickly is decisive.

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Spreading intimate image recordings without consent violates your most personal sphere of life and is a criminal offense (§ 201a StGB). You have a claim to deletion, to have it stop and usually to compensation for pain and suffering.

After a report, platforms must remove such content urgently. There are specialized bodies and tools that help to contain the spread. You are not to blame, the responsibility lies with the perpetrator.

What you should do now

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1. Secure evidence
Secure screenshots with URL, date and context, without spreading the content further.
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2. Report and get it deleted immediately
Report the content at every platform and demand urgent deletion. Specialized reporting channels speed this up.
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3. File a complaint
File a criminal complaint with the police. Spreading it without consent is a criminal offense and is prosecuted.
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4. Get support
Turn to advice centers (for example against digital violence) and to a lawyer for a cease-and-desist and compensation for pain and suffering.

How to spot the scam

Publication is threatened in order to extort money or further images (sextortion).
The content appears on several platforms.
An ex-partner is spreading private recordings out of revenge.

Frequently asked questions

Is spreading intimate images a criminal offense?

Yes. Spreading recordings from the most personal sphere of life without consent is a criminal offense (§ 201a StGB). You can file a criminal complaint and, under civil law, demand deletion, that it stop and compensation for pain and suffering.

How do I get the images off the internet quickly?

Report the content immediately at every platform and demand urgent deletion. There are specialized reporting channels and support services against the spread of intimate recordings that speed up removal. Secure evidence beforehand.

What if publication is threatened?

That is extortion (sextortion) and is likewise a criminal offense. Do not give in to demands, secure the evidence and file a complaint. Get support at an advice center and, if applicable, legal help.

Take action now

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.