Threatening to or distributing intimate images without permission.

This is sometimes called 'revenge porn' or 'the non-consensual sharing of intimate images'.

If someone has shared revealing or intimate photos or videos of you, or is threatening to share them, this is a crime in Scotland. There are steps you can take.

Intimate images can be shared in a number of ways, for example by text, social media or showing a physical or digital copy to another person.

Intimate images can be pictures or videos of you doing something normally done in private. These may have been taken without your knowledge, or, you may have agreed to the pictures being taken, but you didn't agree to them being shared with others.

An intimate image could show:

  • you taking part in a sexual act
  • your genitals, buttocks or breasts exposed in a private place (for example, at home)
  • you wearing only your underwear in a private place (for example, at home)

FIND OUT MORE:If your intimate photos or videos are shared without your consent - Citizens Advice Scotland

Creating or Sharing Deepfake Intimate Images

Deepfakes are fake images, videos, or audio recordings that have been digitally created or edited. They are not always illegal.

They sometimes show a real person doing or saying something that never actually happened.

Deepfakes that are illegal can include images, videos, or messages that are used as:

  • revenge porn (also called intimate image abuse)
  • stalking
  • harassment
  • blackmail
  • sextortion
  • child abuse or child sexual abuse
  • hate crime or encouraging hate crime
  • committing fraud
  • to cause harm
  • promoting, glorifying, or helping carry out acts of terrorism

You can report Deepfakes to Police Scotland. Find out more here.

If the deepfake is sexual or nude, you can also report it to:

RGU SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS & STAFF:

  • Report and Support. Students and staff can report an incident using the University’s Report and Support system. The purpose of this system is to provide support in the event of sexual violence or harassment. You can also choose to make an anonymous report.
  • Student Counselling & Wellbeing Centre. The Counselling & Wellbeing Centre is here to help and support you throughout your time at University.
  • RGU 24/7 Support - Our 24/7 Student Support Service is a free professional telephone & message support service, providing in-the-moment emotional and psychological support for students, any time of day or night. Call: 0800 031 8227
  • Staff Lifeworks Employee Assistance Programme. The EAP service offers confidential independent help, information, and guidance to University staff. It is accessed by telephone or web portal and is totally confidential. The Helpline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to employees. It also allows for up to six face-to-face counselling sessions, offered near the caller’s home or place of work.

OTHER SOURCES OF SUPPORT:

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There are two ways you can tell us what happened

Report anonymously or Contact an advisor