If you are worried a nude of you under the age of 18 is being shared online, we are here to help. There are steps you can take to regain control, and people to support you.

You don't have to deal with this by yourself.
You are not alone.

Getting help

  • How we can help

    If a nude of you under the age of 18 has been shared online, or you have experienced luring, sextortion, or other forms of online sexual violence as a youth, our support team can:

    • Help you with next steps;
    • Send notices to assist with having offending accounts suspended and/or removed;
    • Send notices to platforms through Project Arachnid, our tool to help take down abusive images;
    • Help connect you to additional services like counselling/therapy, peer support, or victim services that are a right fit, and available in your area.
  • Reach out to our support team

  • Regaining control of the situation

    1. Do NOT respond

    • If you get texts, DMs, or if anything is posted about you, do not respond. In the thousands of cases we have seen, responding makes the harassment worse. The most effective way to reduce harm is to STOP CONTACT.
    • Not responding is especially critical if you are being threatened or blackmailed – if there are threats or blackmail involved you should report the situation to a safe adult (maybe a parent, teacher, or school counsellor) as soon as possible.
    • If you have already communicated with them, stop responding.

    2. Save the messages

    • Before you stop contact with the person, screenshot all of the messages. Depending on the situation, you may want or need to share them with a safe adult or police.
    • Try to avoid going back and reading what you have saved. The more you read the messages, the more distressing things may feel.

    3. Report to the app, or directly to Cybertip.ca.

    4. Delete & block the person

    • Ask your close friends to do this too, if they’re connected to the person through social media.

    5. Tell someone

    • Speak to a safe adult (maybe a parent, teacher, or school counsellor) for support. Adults are there to help you and want to know what’s going on. It is their job to protect you.
    • If you can’t think of a safe adult to talk to, contact our support team for help on what to do next.
    • If you feel like you have no support, and/or are in crisis, please reach out to Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 for immediate assistance.

    6. Review and adjust your privacy settings

    • Some sites and apps allow users to set limits on who can search for them, who can send friend requests or messages, etc. Learn about the privacy settings on each platform to control who can contact you.

    7. What to do if other accounts contact you

    • Do NOT engage.
    • Continue to save screenshots of messages.
    • Block the person.
    • Speak to a safe adult (maybe a parent, teacher, or school counsellor) for advice.
    • If you are not able to identify a safe adult, contact our support team for help on what to do next, or for immediate assistance reach out to Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868.
  • You are not alone

    1. Managing the stress

    Many young people we connect with have shared not knowing where to go or what to do in these situations. Receiving threats related to nude pictures of yourself can be scary. It’s normal to be stressed and worried, but there IS a way through this.

    2. Talk to a supportive adult

    If a nude photo or video of you under the age of 18 has been shared, if someone is threatening to share it, or if you are experiencing other forms of online sexual violence, reach out to a safe adult for help. If you’re not feeling reassured or supported by who you tell, consider turning to another safe or supportive adult, like a counselor at your school, or reach out to our support team.

    You have the right to be safe, supported, and protected.

    3. If you are in crisis, reach out to the KidsHelpPhone.ca for immediate support at 1-800-668-6868. If you believe you may be in immediate danger or risk, call 911.

Removing a sexual picture/video

  • Report to Cybertip.ca

  • Reach out to our support team

  • Reporting to the platform

    We can work with you for the fastest reporting and removal, but if you’re not ready to reach out to us, here are the ways you can report directly to platforms:

    Instagram®
    • Include your age: It is important to tell them if you are a child/youth. Include your age at the time the picture/video was taken as well as your current age.
    • Say that you are the person in the picture/video: If you are recognizable in the picture/video, include this as well – this may give your report a higher priority.
    • Say that you did not post the picture/video, did not agree to it being posted and want it removed: They need to know that you object to the continued posting of the picture/video.
    • Let them know if you sent the picture/video to someone else: Include those names as most providers set out rules for the type of content that can be posted and those who break the rules may be prevented from posting content in the future.
    App +

    To make a complaint about a sexual picture or video on Instagram:

    • Log in to Instagram.
    • Tap () (iOS) or () (Android) above the picture or video.
    • Select "Report."
    • Choose "Nudity or sexual activity" as the reason for reporting the picture/video followed by the most appropriate option.
    • Tap "Submit report" to send your report.

    Direct Messages

    To make a complaint about a sexual picture or video sent through Instagram direct message:

    • Log in to Instagram.
    • Tap the conversation you want to report.
    • Tap the username at the top of the chat followed by “Privacy & safety,” then “Report.”
    • Select “Nudity or sexual activity” followed by the most appropriate option.
    • Tap “Submit report” to send your report.

    We update the content on this page quarterly but because online services may change their reporting processes, you may find the instructions above do not work. If that occurs, do your best to adjust the process to match what you are seeing onscreen - it may be that a simple adjustment is all that is required (e.g. if the precise drop down option listed above does not appear, try choosing the option that is closest to what is suggested above). If all else fails, you can also contact us and we can try to assist you with the process.

    Desktop +

    To make a complaint about a sexual picture or video on Instagram:

    • Log in to Instagram
    • Click () in the top right corner of the post containing the picture or video.
    • Select “Report” followed by “Nudity or sexual activity.”
    • Select the most appropriate option.
    • Click "Submit report" to send your report.

    To make a complaint regarding an Instagram user threatening to post sexual pictures or videos:

    • Access Instagram Help Center and select “No” to “Do you have an Instagram account?”
    • Select the best option for “Where does the violation you’re reporting appear?” by selecting “Photo or video” or “An entire profile” then “Nudity or pornography.”
    • Complete the form by providing as much detail about the incident as possible, including a link to the Instagram account and/or threatening post you would like to report as well as any other information that may help Instagram review your complaint.
    • Click “Send” to send your report.

    Direct Messages

    To make a complaint about a sexual picture or video sent through Instagram direct message:

    • Log in to Instagram.
    • Click on the conversation you want to report.
    • Click ⓘ in the right corner of the conversation, followed by “Report.”
    • Select “Nudity or sexual activity” as the reason for reporting the picture/video followed by the most appropriate option.
    • Click “Submit” to send your report.

    We update the content on this page quarterly but because online services may change their reporting processes, you may find the instructions above do not work. If that occurs, do your best to adjust the process to match what you are seeing onscreen - it may be that a simple adjustment is all that is required (e.g. if the precise drop down option listed above does not appear, try choosing the option that is closest to what is suggested above). If all else fails, you can also contact us and we can try to assist you with the process.

    Snapchat®
    • Include your age: It is important to tell them if you are a child/youth. Include your age at the time the picture/video was taken as well as your current age.
    • Say that you are the person in the picture/video: If you are recognizable in the picture/video, include this as well – this may give your report a higher priority.
    • Say that you did not post the picture/video, did not agree to it being posted and want it removed: They need to know that you object to the continued posting of the picture/video.
    • Let them know if you sent the picture/video to someone else: Include those names as most providers set out rules for the type of content that can be posted and those who break the rules may be prevented from posting content in the future.
    Desktop +

    To make a complaint about a user on Snapchat if you do not have a Snapchat account or are unable to report through the app:

    • Access the Snapchat Support page.
    • Select “I want to report a safety concern.”
    • Select the most appropriate option for what you are concerned about and fill out the applicable fields within the form.
    • Click “Submit” to send your report.
    App +

    To make a complaint about a sexual picture or video shared in a Snap, or a Story on Snapchat:

    • Log in to Snapchat.
    • Tap on the Snap or Story you would like to report.
    • Press () in the top right corner.
    • Tap “Report Snap.”
    • Under "Nudity & sexual content" select "It’s an inappropriate Snap of me."
    • Fill out the text box by providing as much detail as possible about the incident, including the information outlined in the four steps above.
    • Tap "Submit" to send your report.

    To make a complaint regarding a Snapchat user threatening to post sexual pictures or videos:

    • Tap the Snapchatter’s profile photo to the left of their name
    • Tap the three dots () in the top right corner and tap "Manage Friendship."
    • Tap “Report.”
    • Select "They’re posting inappropriate content."
    • Under "Nudity & sexual content" select "It's an inappropriate Snap of me"
    • Fill out the text box by providing as much detail as possible about the incident, including information outlined in the four steps above.
    • Tap “Submit” to send your report.

    We update the content on this page quarterly but because online services may change their reporting processes, you may find the instructions above do not work. If that occurs, do your best to adjust the process to match what you are seeing onscreen - it may be that a simple adjustment is all that is required (e.g. if the precise drop down option listed above does not appear, try choosing the option that is closest to what is suggested above). If all else fails, you can also contact us and we can try to assist you with the process.

    Facebook®
    • Include your age: It is important to tell them if you are a child/youth. Include your age at the time the picture/video was taken as well as your current age.
    • Say that you are the person in the picture/video: If you are recognizable in the picture/video, include this as well – this may give your report a higher priority.
    • Say that you did not post the picture/video, did not agree to it being posted and want it removed: They need to know that you object to the continued posting of the picture/video.
    • Let them know if you sent the picture/video to someone else: Include those names as most providers set out rules for the type of content that can be posted and those who break the rules may be prevented from posting content in the future.
    App +

    To make a complaint about a sexual picture on Facebook:

    • Log in to Facebook.
    • Tap on the picture you would like to report.
    • Tap () in the top right corner and select “Report photo.”
    • Then select “Nudity” followed by “Sexual exploitation” or “Child nudity.”
    • Tap “Submit” to send your report.

    To make a complaint about a sexual reel on Facebook:

    • Log in to Facebook.
    • Tap on the video you would like to report.
    • Tap () in the bottom right corner and select “Find support or report reel.”
    • Select “It’s Inappropriate.”
    • Then select “Nudity or sexual activity” followed by “Sexual Exploitation or Solicitation” or “Child nudity.”
    • Tap “Submit” to send your report.

    For complaints about sexual content (pictures/videos) posted on an individual’s Facebook profile:

    • Tap the () in the top right corner of the individual’s profile under their name, and select “Report profile.”
    • If you are not friends with the user, you may have to select “See options” to see the option to “Report profile.”
    • Select “Posting inappropriate things.”
    • Select posts you would like to report in the list provided then select “Next” to submit the report.
    • If there are other posts you would like to report that do not show up in the list, you may have to separately report them using the steps above.

    We update the content on this page quarterly but because online services may change their reporting processes, you may find the instructions above do not work. If that occurs, do your best to adjust the process to match what you are seeing onscreen - it may be that a simple adjustment is all that is required (e.g. if the precise drop down option listed above does not appear, try choosing the option that is closest to what is suggested above). If all else fails, you can also contact us and we can try to assist you with the process.

    Messenger +

    To make a complaint about a sexual picture on Facebook Messenger:

    App

    • Log in to Facebook.
    • Open the conversation and tap the person’s name at the top.
    • Scroll down and tap “Report,” followed by “Sharing inappropriate things.”
    • Then tap either “Nudity” or “Child nudity.”
    • Tap “Submit report” to send the conversation to Facebook for review.

    Desktop

    • Log in to Facebook.
    • Open the conversation and select the person’s name at the top.
    • Scroll down and select “Report,” followed by “Sharing inappropriate things.”
    • Then select either “Nudity” or “Child nudity,” which will automatically send the report to Facebook for review.

    We update the content on this page quarterly but because online services may change their reporting processes, you may find the instructions above do not work. If that occurs, do your best to adjust the process to match what you are seeing onscreen - it may be that a simple adjustment is all that is required (e.g. if the precise drop down option listed above does not appear, try choosing the option that is closest to what is suggested above). If all else fails, you can also contact us and we can try to assist you with the process.

    Desktop +

    To make a complaint about a sexual picture on Facebook:

    • Log in to Facebook.
    • Click on the picture you would like to report.
    • Click () in the top right corner and select “Report photo.”
    • Select “Nudity” followed by “Sexual exploitation” or “Child nudity.”
    • Click “Submit” to send your report.

    To make a complaint about a sexual video on Facebook:

    • Log in to Facebook.
    • Click on the video you would like to report.
    • Click () in the top right corner and select “Find support or report video.”
    • Then select “Nudity” followed by “Sexual exploitation” or “Child nudity.”
    • Click “Submit” to send your report.

    For complaints about sexual content (pictures/videos) posted on an individual’s Facebook profile:

    • Click the () n the top right corner of the individual’s profile under their name, and select “Find support or report.”
    • Select “Nudity or sexual content” followed by “Sexual exploitation” or “Child nudity.”
    • Select “Done” to submit the report.

    To make a report regarding a Facebook user threatening to share sexual images or videos:

    • Click () in the top right corner of the picture, video, or post.
    • Click “Report photo” or “Report video” or “Report post.”
    • Select “Something else” under the problem section.
    • Then “Sharing private images” or “Non-consensual intimate images.”
    • Click “Submit” to send your report.

    We update the content on this page quarterly but because online services may change their reporting processes, you may find the instructions above do not work. If that occurs, do your best to adjust the process to match what you are seeing onscreen - it may be that a simple adjustment is all that is required (e.g. if the precise drop down option listed above does not appear, try choosing the option that is closest to what is suggested above). If all else fails, you can also contact us and we can try to assist you with the process.

    TikTok®
    • Include your age: It is important to tell them if you are a child/youth. Include your age at the time the picture/video was taken as well as your current age.
    • Say that you are the person in the picture/video: If you are recognizable in the picture/video, include this as well – this may give your report a higher priority.
    • Say that you did not post the picture/video, did not agree to it being posted, and want it removed: They need to know that you object to the continued posting of the picture/video.
    • Let them know if you sent the picture/video to someone else: Include those names as most providers set out rules for the type of content that can be posted and those who break the rules may be prevented from posting content in the future.
    Desktop +

    To make a complaint about a user’s account on TikTok:

    • Log in to TikTok.
    • Go to the user’s profile by clicking on their username.
    • Click () at the top of the profile, then select “🚩Report” followed by “Report account.”
    • Click “Posting Inappropriate Content” then “Nudity and sexual content” followed by the appropriate reason for reporting the user such as “Youth sexual activity, solicitation, and exploitation” or “Sexually suggestive behaviour by youth.”
    • Click “Submit” to send your report.

    OR

    • Click “Violence, abuse, and criminal exploitation” then “Exploitation and abuse of people under 18.”
    • Click “Submit” to send your report.

    To make a complaint about a sexual video on TikTok:

    • Log in to TikTok.
    • Click on the video you would like to report.
    • Click “🚩Report” in the top right corner of the video.
    • Select “Nudity and sexual content” followed by “Youth sexual activity, solicitation, and exploitation” or “Sexually suggestive behaviour by youth.”
    • Click “Submit” to send your report.

    OR

    • Click “Violence, abuse, and criminal exploitation” then “Exploitation and abuse of people under 18.”
    • Click “Submit” to send your report.

    To make a complaint about a live sexual video on TikTok:

    • Log in to TikTok.
    • Click on the live video you would like to report.
    • Click () in the upper right corner and select “🚩Report.”
    • Next select “Minor safety” followed by “Next.”
    • Click the most appropriate option for reporting such as “Nudity or sexual activity of minors” or “Abuse or crimes against minors.”
    • Click “Submit” to send your report.

    To make a complaint about a direct message on TikTok:

    • Log in to TikTok.
    • Click on the direct message you would like to report and hover your mouse over the message.
    • Click () then select “Report.”
    • Click on “Minor safety.”
    • Select the messages you want to include in your report then click “Submit” to send your report.

    We update the content on this page quarterly but because online services may change their reporting processes, you may find the instructions above do not work. If that occurs, do your best to adjust the process to match what you are seeing onscreen - it may be that a simple adjustment is all that is required (e.g. if the precise drop down option listed above does not appear, try choosing the option that is closest to what is suggested above). If all else fails, you can also contact us and we can try to assist you with the process.

    App +

    To make a complaint about a user’s account on TikTok:

    • Log in to TikTok.
    • Go to the user’s profile by clicking on their username.
    • Tap the share option “↷ ” in the top right corner of the profile.
    • Select “🚩Report” followed by “Report account.”
    • Tap “Posting Inappropriate Content.”
    • Then tap “Nudity and sexual content” followed by “Youth sexual activity, solicitation, and exploitation” or “Sexually suggestive behaviour by youth.”
    • Tap “Submit” to send your report.

    OR

    • Tap “Violence, abuse, and criminal exploitation.”
    • Then tap “Exploitation and abuse of people under 18.”
    • Tap “Submit” to send your report.

    To make a complaint about a sexual video on TikTok:

    • Log in to TikTok.
    • Tap on the video you would like to report.
    • On the bottom right, tap the share option “↷ ” followed by “🚩Report.”
    • Tap “Nudity and sexual content” followed by “Youth sexual activity, solicitation, and exploitation” or “Sexually suggestive behaviour by youth.”
    • Tap “Submit” to send your report.

    OR

    • Tap “Violence, abuse, and criminal exploitation.”
    • Then tap “Exploitation and abuse of people under 18.”
    • Tap “Submit” to send your report.

    To make a complaint about a sexual live video on TikTok:

    • Log in to TikTok.
    • Tap on the live video you would like to report.
    • On the bottom right, tap the share option (↷ ), followed by “🚩Report.”
    • Then tap “Minor safety” followed by the most appropriate option, such as “Nudity or sexual activity of minors” or “Abuse or crimes against minors.”
    • Fill out the text box including details about your concerns.
    • Tap “Submit” to send your report.

    To make a complaint about a direct message on TikTok:

    • Log in to TikTok.
    • Go to the direct message you would like to report.
    • Tap “🚩” in the top right corner of the conversation followed by selecting the most appropriate option (at the bottom select “See all” for more options), such as “Minor safety.”
    • Tap “Report and block” or “Report” to send your report.

    We update the content on this page quarterly but because online services may change their reporting processes, you may find the instructions above do not work. If that occurs, do your best to adjust the process to match what you are seeing onscreen - it may be that a simple adjustment is all that is required (e.g. if the precise drop down option listed above does not appear, try choosing the option that is closest to what is suggested above). If all else fails, you can also contact us and we can try to assist you with the process.

    Twitter/X®
    • Include your age: It is important to tell them if you are a child/youth. Include your age at the time the picture/video was taken as well as your current age.
    • Say that you are the person in the picture/video: If you are recognizable in the picture/video, include this as well – this may give your report a higher priority.
    • Say that you did not post the picture/video, did not agree to it being posted and want it removed: They need to know that you object to the continued posting of the picture/video.
    • Let them know if you sent the picture/video to someone else: Include those names as most providers set out rules for the type of content that can be posted and those who break the rules may be prevented from posting content in the future.
    App +

    For complaints regarding pictures/videos posted on X:

    • Tap on the post you’d like to report.
    • Select the three dots in the top right corner of the post () then select “Report post.”
    • Select “Child Safety” then click “Next.”
    • Select the most appropriate option under “Child sexual exploitation,” such as “Selling or distributing sexually explicit content involving a minor.”
    • Under additional context, explain your concerns about the post you are reporting, including the username of the account who posted the offending material.
    • Tap “Submit” to submit the report.

    For complaints regarding an account on X:

    • Navigate to the account profile and select the () icon in the top right corner of the profile.
    • Select “Report.”
    • Select “Child Safety” then click “Next.”
    • Select the most appropriate option under “Child sexual exploitation,” such as “Selling or distributing sexually explicit content involving a minor.”
    • Under additional context, include your email address, your twitter username, country/region, and the username of the account you are reporting.
    • Tap “Submit” to submit the report.

    For complaints regarding a direct message threatening to share your intimate images:

    • Navigate to your profile’s direct messages and select the conversation you want to report.
    • Tap and hold the message you’d like to report and select “Report message” from the dropdown.
    • Select “It’s abusive or harmful,” then “Engaging in targeted harassment.”
    • Select up to three messages per report that reflect the harassment.
    • Add any additional information you think is relevant.
    • Tap, “Send report to X.”

    We update the content on this page quarterly but because online services may change their reporting processes, you may find the instructions above do not work. If that occurs, do your best to adjust the process to match what you are seeing onscreen - it may be that a simple adjustment is all that is required (e.g. if the precise drop down option listed above does not appear, try choosing the option that is closest to what is suggested above). If all else fails, you can also contact us and we can try to assist you with the process.

    Desktop +

    For complaints regarding pictures/videos posted on X:

    • Select the post you’d like to report.
    • Select the three dots in the top right corner of the post () then select “Report post.”
    • Select “Child Safety” then click “Next.”
    • Select the most appropriate option under “Child sexual exploitation,” such as “Selling or distributing sexually explicit content involving a minor.”
    • Under additional context, include your email address, your twitter username, country/region, and the username of the account you are reporting.
    • Select “Submit” to submit the report.

    For complaints regarding an account on X:

    • Navigate to the account profile and select the () icon in the top right corner of the profile.
    • Select “Report.”
    • Select “Child Safety” then click “Next.”
    • Select the most appropriate option under “Child sexual exploitation,” such as “Selling or distributing sexually explicit content involving a minor.”
    • Under additional context, include your email address, your twitter username, country/region, and the username of the account you are reporting.
    • Select “Submit” to submit the report.

    For complaints regarding a direct message threatening to share your intimate images:

    • Navigate to your profile’s direct messages and select the conversation you want to report.
    • Hover your mouse over the message you want to report and select () then “Report message.”
    • Select “It’s abusive or harmful,” then “Engaging in targeted harassment.”
    • Select up to three messages per report that reflect the harassment.
    • Add any additional information you think is relevant.
    • Select, “Send report to X.”

    You can also make a complaint regarding child pornography content by sending an email to cp@twitter.com and include the link to the profile and links to any relevant tweets displaying the content. Also include the information outlined in the four points above.

    We update the content on this page quarterly but because online services may change their reporting processes, you may find the instructions above do not work. If that occurs, do your best to adjust the process to match what you are seeing onscreen - it may be that a simple adjustment is all that is required (e.g. if the precise drop down option listed above does not appear, try choosing the option that is closest to what is suggested above). If all else fails, you can also contact us and we can try to assist you with the process.

    YouTube®
    • Include your age: It is important to tell them if you are a child/youth. Include your age at the time the picture/video was taken as well as your current age.
    • Say that you are the person in the picture/video: If you are recognizable in the picture/video, include this as well – this may give your report a higher priority.
    • Say that you did not post the picture/video, did not agree to it being posted, and want it removed: They need to know that you object to the continued posting of the picture/video.
    • Let them know if you sent the picture/video to someone else: Include those names as most providers set out rules for the type of content that can be posted and those who break the rules may be prevented from posting content in the future.
    App +

    To flag sexual videos on YouTube:

    • Go to the video you'd like to report.
    • Tap ⚙ in the top right corner of the video (you may need to tap on the video for the icon to appear) and select “🚩Report.”
    • Select “Sexual content” as the reason you are flagging the video as inappropriate.
    • Tap “Report.”

    We update the content on this page quarterly but because online services may change their reporting processes, you may find the instructions above do not work. If that occurs, do your best to adjust the process to match what you are seeing onscreen - it may be that a simple adjustment is all that is required (e.g. if the precise drop down option listed above does not appear, try choosing the option that is closest to what is suggested above). If all else fails, you can also contact us and we can try to assist you with the process.

    Desktop +

    To flag sexual videos on YouTube:

    • Sign in to YouTube.
    • Below the player for the video you want to flag, click () and select “🚩Report.”
    • Select “Sexual content.”
    • Then select “Content involving minors” from the list provided. Otherwise, choose the next best fit (e.g. “Graphic sexual activity” or “Nudity”).
    • Select “Next” and then enter the specific time for where the content you are reporting is located within the video (e.g., if the content you’re concerned about appears at 15 minutes and 30 seconds, enter 15:30). If you are concerned about the entire video, enter the length of the video.
    • In the text box, provide the information outlined in the four points above.
    • Click “Report.”

    We update the content on this page quarterly but because online services may change their reporting processes, you may find the instructions above do not work. If that occurs, do your best to adjust the process to match what you are seeing onscreen - it may be that a simple adjustment is all that is required (e.g. if the precise drop down option listed above does not appear, try choosing the option that is closest to what is suggested above). If all else fails, you can also contact us and we can try to assist you with the process.

    Google®

    To Report Child Endangerment on Google Products (Drive, Gmail, Google Hangouts, Google Sites)

    Note: you will need to be logged into Google in order to complete this report form.

    • Access https://support.google.com/families/contact/report_child_grooming
    • Complete the report form and provide as much detail as possible.
      • Select “Yes” or “No” if the situation was reported to police.
      • If you selected “No”, a dropdown menu will appear. From the dropdown menu under “Your relationship to user experiencing this behavior:” click “I am the user (this is happening to me).”
      • Next, provide your name and email address in the designated text boxes.
      • Select “Yes” or “No” if the situation happened when you were under the age of 18.
      • Provide the country you live in from the drop down menu.
      • Select which Google product the incident occurred on (i.e Google Hangouts, Gmail).
      • Select “I agree” or “I do NOT agree” to allow or prohibit Google from accessing your personal information to review the complaint.
      • Provide the requested information about the offending Google account in the designated text boxes.
      • Attach any screen captures you may have of the communications. Read and check the boxes.
    • Click “Submit.”

    Pictures that appear on Google image results are actually hosted by a different service (i.e. not Google). In order to remove pictures that appear in Google image results:

    Submit a report to the website where the picture is being displayed: To determine where the picture is displayed, access the picture in the Google search results and view the full image. This will provide the website address for the picture. For example, if the website address for the picture is http://www.websitedomain.ca/imageinformation.jpeg, the site where the picture is displayed would be http://www.websitedomain.ca. Access this website and look for information about how to contact the provider to request the removal of your picture/video.

    • When contacting the provider:
      • Include your age: It is important to tell them if you are a child/youth. Include your age at the time the picture/video was taken as well as your current age.
      • Say that you are the person in the picture/video: If you are recognizable in the picture/video, include this as well – this may give your report a higher priority.
      • Say that you did not post the picture/video, did not agree to it being posted and want it removed: They need to know that you object to the continued posting of the picture/video.
      • Let them know if you sent the picture/video to someone else: Include those names as most providers set out rules for the type of content that can be posted and those who break the rules may be prevented from posting content in the future.
    • Dealing with cached website content: Once a picture/video has been removed from a website, the content may continue to appear in Google search results. This happens because Google takes a snapshot of each page and caches (stores) that version. It may take some time for Google to revisit the webpage to update its cache which is why your picture or a still frame of your video may continue to show up in Google results even though it’s been removed from the website. To have the cached page removed, you can click on this link and login to Google https://search.google.com/search-console/remove-outdated-content?utm_source=wmx&utm_medium=report-banner&utm_content=removals to make a request for removal on outdated content.
    • Submit a request to Google to remove the content: If a sexual image or video has been shared without your consent and is appearing in Google search results, submit a report directly to Google.

    To make a complaint about a Gmail user who may have violated the Gmail Program Policies and/or Terms of Use

    We update the content on this page quarterly but because online services may change their reporting processes, you may find the instructions above do not work. If that occurs, do your best to adjust the process to match what you are seeing onscreen - it may be that a simple adjustment is all that is required (e.g. if the precise drop down option listed above does not appear, try choosing the option that is closest to what is suggested above). If all else fails, you can also contact us and we can try to assist you with the process.

    Other
    • If the site that you want to make a complaint to is not here and you would like our help, please contact us.
    • If your picture is posted on a site that focuses on people posting embarrassing information, be cautious when asking for it to be taken down. These sites may not respond favourably to your request and in some instances, we have seen it make the situation worse.

Knowing your rights

Canada has made a commitment to ensure that all children are treated with dignity and respect. Children in Canada are entitled to equal benefit and protection of the law, without discrimination. These protections are found in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, other Canadian laws, and international laws.

These laws help ensure that children are protected from harm, have access to basic needs, and have a voice in order to participate fully in society.

There are several Canadian criminal laws* that may intersect when dealing with online sexual violence depending on your circumstances. For example:

*Criminal offences are described in general way to help you better understand the law. This is not a complete list, depending on your circumstances, other offences may apply. For information only. Not intended to provide legal advice. The actual offences are defined in the Criminal Code of Canada.

  • Acts that violate privacy

    Non-Consensual Distribution of an Intimate Image: If someone has a sexual/intimate picture/video of you that was created in private circumstances, and that person knowingly posts it online or shares it with someone else knowing that you would not consent to that (or being reckless about whether you would consent to it), the person could be charged.

    Voyeurism: Secretly observing or recording a person who believes his/her actions are private and:

    • who is in a place where the person might be expected to change or remove clothing (e.g. bedroom, bathroom, change room, cabin, tent);
    • who is all or partially naked or engaged in sexual activity at the time; or
    • where the observing or recording is done for sexual reasons.
  • Acts that make others feel unsafe

    Harassment: Doing or saying something that makes someone fear for their safety or the safety of someone else (e.g. making threats, stalking, repeatedly texting/emailing, constantly following).

    Extortion (blackmail): When someone intends to get something by using threats or violence (e.g. pushing, shoving, yelling) to make, or try to make, a person to do something else.

    Sextortion: The word “sextortion” is often used to refer to a type of extortion where a person threatens to send or share a sexual image or video of another person in order to get additional images, sexual acts, or money. Learn more about sextortion here: Cybertip.ca/sextortion.

    Uttering Threats: Threatening to hurt someone, damage their property or hurt an animal they own.

    Intimidation: Being violent, stalking, or making threats of violence against a person, someone in the person’s family or the person’s property, in order to get a person to do something, or stop doing something.

    Counselling to Commit Suicide: Encouraging another person to take their own life.

  • Unwanted or illegal sexual contact

    Online Luring: A situation where one person (typically an adult but not always) communicates with a young person through technology (like texting, direct messaging, or chatting through an app/game/website) to make it easier to commit a specific sexual offence against that young person. An example of a communication that could qualify as online luring is if the person asks, hints at or tries to convince the young person to create or send naked or semi-naked sexual pictures or videos.

    Making Sexually Explicit Material Available to a Person under 18: Showing or sending material like pornography to a child to make it easier to commit a sexual offence against the child.

    Sexual Exploitation: When a 16- or 17-year-old is touched by or encouraged to touch themselves, or any other person, for a sexual purpose by a person who:

    • is in a position of trust or authority (e.g. parent, guardian, teacher, coach) over the young person
    • the 16 or 17 year old is dependent upon in some way; or
    • is exploiting the young person in some way.

    Invitation to Sexual Touching: Encouraging a person under 16 to touch themselves or someone else for a sexual purpose (whether in person or online). It includes indirect touching (with an object, for example).

    Note: When both people are close enough in age AND have lawfully consented, charges may not be laid.

    Sexual Interference: Touching any part of the body of a person under the age of 16 years, for a sexual purpose, with a part of the body or an object.

    Note: When both people are close enough in age AND have lawfully consented, charges may not be laid.

FAQs

  • What is "sextortion"?

    Sextortion is when someone online threatens to send your nude to other people or post it online if you don’t pay them, provide more nudes, or perform sexual acts.

  • What is “online sexual violence?”

    Online sexual violence is any unwanted sexual action and/or behaviour directed towards youth online.

    Here are some common examples:

    • Sextortion: When someone online threatens to send your nude to other people or post it online if you don’t pay them, provide more pictures/videos, or perform sexual acts;
    • Grooming: A process used by offenders to sexualize an online encounter with a child. Offenders have many techniques to manipulate kids to comply with their sexual requests of demands;
    • Luring: When a person (typically an adult but not always) communicates with youth through technology, like texting, tagging, or direct messaging, or chatting in an app/game/website to make it easier to commit a specific sexual offence against them;
    • Intimate images: Recording without your knowledge, and/or sharing, sending, or posting nude images or videos, or threatening to do so.
    • Someone sending you nudes or sexual videos online without your consent.
    • Unwanted, random and/or aggressive requests for you to send nudes or videos.
  • What kind of picture can we help you remove?

    We will report and request a takedown of any nude or sexualized image of a youth, under the age of 18.

  • Why should I tell a safe adult?

    Adults want to help – it is their job to protect you.

  • Where can I get help?

    Reach out to our support teamyou are not alone.
    If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, or thoughts of ending your life, reach out to Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 for immediate support.

  • Will I get in trouble with the police for taking or sharing a nude?

    Canadian laws surrounding online sexual violence have been created to help protect youth, not criminalize them. You have rights and there are laws to support you if your nude has been shared non-consensually. There are services in place to help you. For more information, or if you have any concerns, reach out to our support team. We can help.

  • If your question isn’t listed, please reach out to our support team.

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