Hey all,
I’m asking this for a friend (honestly, not me) — what steps should someone take if their private photos or videos get leaked online?
It’s a nightmare scenario, and I figured it’s better to know in advance what to do if it ever happens. Any advice would be really appreciated.
Hey! I’m really sorry your friend is going through this, even if it's not you. If private photos or videos get leaked online, the first thing to do is stay calm and report it to the platform or website where it’s being shared. They should also contact the police, as this may be a criminal act. If possible, take screenshots as evidence. It’s also helpful to reach out to a digital security expert for guidance. For more on this growing issue, check out this article https://linuxsecurity.com/news/security-trends/internet-blackmail-digital-extortion-2025 It’s important to act fast!
This is really solid advice, thank you both so much.
I had no idea about the Google Removal Request or DMCA option — I’ll pass all this on. I think just knowing there’s a roadmap makes it a bit less terrifying.
Out of curiosity — are there companies that help people with this stuff, or is it all DIY?