The short answer
In the UK, Ireland, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, it is legal for two adults to send each other sexual messages, photos and videos, as long as both of them want to. It becomes a crime when the image shows anyone under 18, when it is sent to someone who did not agree to receive it, or when it is shared, or threatened to be shared, without the consent of the person in it.
The five rules that apply almost everywhere
Every country words its laws differently, but these five rules hold true in almost every place covered in this guide. If you follow them, you are very unlikely to break the law anywhere.
Everyone in the image must be 18 or over
A sexual image of anyone under 18 is treated as child sexual abuse material, even where the age of consent for sex is 16. That applies even if the young person took it themselves and sent it willingly. More on age.
Only send to people who have said yes
Sending a sexual image to someone who has not agreed to receive it can be harassment, and in many places it is a specific crime known as cyberflashing.
Never share an image of someone else without their consent
Someone sending you an image is not permission to show or forward it to anyone else. Doing so is a crime in every country we cover. More on intimate image abuse.
Never threaten to share an image
Threatening to share someone's intimate images, for example to get money, more photos or to stop them leaving a relationship, is a crime in its own right, often a serious one. See sextortion.
Don't make fake nudes of real people
Using AI or editing apps to create a sexual image of a real person without their consent is increasingly a crime. In England and Wales it has been illegal since February 2026, even if you never share it. See deepfakes and nudify apps.
Why the age of consent and the age for images are different
These laws were written to protect children from exploitation, and they still apply when young people sext each other. In practice, police in the UK and many other countries try to avoid criminalising teenagers who shared images consensually. In England and Wales, for example, police can record an incident without taking further action where it is in the public interest. But the image is still illegal, and an adult who has, asks for or shares it can face serious charges.
If you are under 18 and an image of you is online, Childline's Report Remove tool (UK) and Take It Down (worldwide) can help get it removed confidentially.
How sexting laws compare around the world
This table is a summary. Click a country for the full details, the names of the laws and the maximum penalties.
| Country | Age for sex | Age for images | Cyberflashing a specific crime? | Sharing without consent | Creating fake nudes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| England and Wales | 16 | 18 | Yes (since 2024) | Crime | Crime (since Feb 2026) |
| Scotland | 16 | 18 | Yes (since 2010) | Crime | Sharing covered; creation under consultation |
| Northern Ireland | 16 | 18 | Yes (since 2022) | Crime | Proposed |
| Ireland | 17 | 18 | No specific offence | Crime (Coco's Law) | Amendment being debated |
| United States | 16 to 18 by state | 18 (federal) | In many states | Crime (federal and every state) | Sharing is a federal crime |
| Canada | 16 | 18 | No specific offence | Crime | Sharing a crime (since July 2026) |
| Australia | 16 or 17 by state | 18 | Varies by state | Crime | Sharing a federal crime; creation in some states |
| New Zealand | 16 | 18 | No specific offence | Crime | Bill before Parliament |
| South Africa | 16 | 18 | No specific offence | Crime | "Simulated" images covered |
"No specific offence" does not mean cyberflashing is legal there. Unwanted sexual images can usually still be prosecuted as harassment, indecent communication or a similar offence.
Which country's law applies?
When you are travelling, the local law applies to you, and some countries outside those listed here ban all pornography or sex outside marriage. If you are visiting somewhere with strict laws, the safest approach is not to sext while you are there.
Frequently asked questions
Is sexting illegal in the UK?
No, not between consenting adults. It is illegal to send sexual images of anyone under 18, to send unsolicited images of genitals (cyberflashing), or to share or threaten to share someone's intimate images without consent. See UK sexting laws.
Can I get in trouble for receiving a nude?
Receiving an image of an adult is not a crime. Keeping or forwarding an image of someone under 18 is, so if you receive one, don't save or share it. Report it to the platform and, in the UK, to CEOP or the police.
Is it illegal to send a nude to my partner?
No, provided you are both adults and your partner wants to receive it. Asking first is both good manners and the legally safe option.
Is sexting illegal at 16 or 17?
Even where 16 is the age of consent, making, sending or having sexual images of anyone under 18 is an offence. Police often deal with consensual teenage sexting without prosecution, but adults must never ask for, keep or share these images.
Is it illegal to screenshot someone's nude?
Keeping a copy of an image someone chose to send you is not usually a crime by itself, but showing it to or sending it to anyone else without consent is. In England and Wales, the Crime and Policing Act 2026 also creates an offence of capturing an intimate image that was sent on a "view once" or disappearing basis without permission. Its new offences are being brought into force in stages.
Need help right now?
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 (UK), 112 (Ireland/EU), 911 (US/Canada) or 000 (Australia).
- Images shared or threatened (adults, UK): Revenge Porn Helpline, revengepornhelpline.org.uk or 0345 6000 459
- Stop images spreading (worldwide, adults): StopNCII.org
- Under 18: Childline's Report Remove tool at childline.org.uk or call 0800 1111. Outside the UK: Take It Down
- More countries and services: see our help and support directory
This is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and depend on the facts of each case. We last checked this page on 9 November 2026. If you are facing a police investigation or court case, speak to a solicitor or lawyer where you live.