Everything you need to know about revenge porn
A comprehensive guide covering what revenge porn is, the law in your country, prevention strategies, and what to do if you’re a victim. Knowledge is your first line of defense.
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What is revenge porn?
Revenge porn, formally known as Non-Consensual Intimate Imagery (NCII) or image-based sexual abuse, refers to the distribution of sexually explicit photos or videos of a person without their consent.
While the term “revenge” suggests a motive of retaliation by an ex-partner, perpetrators can also be hackers, acquaintances, or strangers motivated by profit, control, or notoriety.
This form of digital abuse is a serious violation of privacy that can have devastating, long-term effects on a victim’s personal life, career, and mental health. The content spreads quickly across social media platforms, dedicated “revenge porn” websites, and image hosts, making it difficult to contain without professional intervention.
Legal status
Is revenge porn illegal?
In an increasing number of jurisdictions worldwide, revenge porn is a serious criminal offense. Governments have recognised that the non-consensual distribution of intimate images is not merely a privacy violation, but a form of sexual abuse.
What matters legally is not whether the photo was taken with consent. The crime is in the distribution without consent. Hover or tap each card to see the detail for your region.
Article 139h Sr, Wet computercriminaliteit III
Criminal offense since 2019. Sharing intimate images without consent carries up to 2 years imprisonment or a substantial fine.
The Netherlands introduced explicit NCII legislation through the Wet computercriminaliteit III in 2019. Under Article 139h of the Criminal Code (Wetboek van Strafrecht), distributing intimate images without the subject's consent is a criminal act. The law covers images taken with or without consent, what matters is that sharing occurred without consent. Prosecution can run in parallel with a civil damages claim.
GDPR Art. 17, Digital Services Act (DSA)
EU residents have a right to erasure under GDPR. The DSA imposes fast-removal obligations on large platforms for illegal content.
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) provides EU residents with a right to erasure (Art. 17), allowing individuals to demand removal of their personal data, including intimate images, from online services. The Digital Services Act (DSA), effective 2024, adds further obligations on large platforms to act quickly on illegal content removal requests. While not NCII-specific legislation, these frameworks provide meaningful legal remedies across all EU member states.
State NCII laws, 48+ states + DMCA Section 512
Most US states have enacted specific non-consensual intimate image laws. Criminal and civil routes both available. Federal legislation under consideration.
As of 2024, over 48 US states have enacted specific non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII) statutes. Consequences range from misdemeanor to felony charges depending on jurisdiction and circumstances. Copyright law (DMCA Section 512) provides a separate fast-track route for takedown notices if the victim owns the copyright, often the case for self-taken photos. Federal legislation (the DEFIANCE Act) has moved through Congress to close gaps between state laws.
Online Safety Act 2023, Section 179
Criminal offense under the Online Safety Act 2023. Sharing NCII and threatening to share both carry up to 2 years imprisonment.
The Online Safety Act 2023 made sharing intimate images without consent, and the threat to do so, a criminal offense in England and Wales. Section 179 specifically criminalizes non-consensual sharing of intimate images. Sentences can reach 2 years imprisonment. The same Act imposes removal obligations on platforms. Scotland has equivalent provisions under the Abusive Behaviour and Sexual Harm (Scotland) Act 2016.
Perspective & scope
You are not alone in this
Discovering that intimate images have been shared without your consent is a traumatic experience that can lead to intense feelings of shame, anxiety, and isolation. It is vital to understand that you are not at fault, and you are certainly not alone.
Non-consensual intimate image abuse affects individuals across all demographics, regardless of age, gender, or background. It is not a reflection of your judgment or character. It is a violation of your privacy and trust committed by someone else, and the figures below show just how widespread it has become.
The shame is not yours
Prevention
Protection against revenge porn
There is no guaranteed way to eliminate all digital risk, because the abuse depends on another person’s choices. But reducing the surface area significantly limits the opportunity. These strategies address the three most common routes: account compromise, relationship breakdown, and coercion.
Response guide
What to do if you’re a victim
If this has happened to you, acting quickly matters. Content spreads fast, but most of it can be removed. These steps are ordered by urgency. You do not need to do all of them at once.
Do not confront the uploader
Need professional help?
Navigating the removal of non-consensual content is technically complex and emotionally draining. You do not have to fight this alone. Leakserv specialises in the rapid, discreet removal of damaging content from the internet, protecting your privacy and peace of mind.