What is cyberflashing?
Cyberflashing is sending an unsolicited sexual image, usually of genitals, to someone who hasn't agreed to receive it. In England and Wales it carries up to 2 years in prison. Scotland and Northern Ireland also have specific offences, and in other countries it is usually prosecuted as harassment.
What counts as cyberflashing?
- Sending a "dick pic" or any photo or video of genitals to someone who didn't ask for it
- AirDropping or Bluetoothing explicit images to strangers, for example on a train
- Opening a dating-app chat with an explicit photo
- Sending explicit images to a colleague, a stranger on social media or a group chat
- In Scotland: any sexual image, not only genitals, and explicit written messages too
It doesn't matter whether the image is of you or someone else, or which app you use. In England and Wales, the offence applies to any photo or film of genitals, including a "fake" image.
Is it still cyberflashing if they're on a sexting site?
The law by country
| Place | Law | Maximum penalty |
|---|---|---|
| England and Wales | Sexual Offences Act 2003, s.66A (since Jan 2024) | 2 years, plus possible sex offender notification |
| Scotland | Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009, ss.6 and 7 (since 2010) | Up to 10 years on indictment |
| Northern Ireland | Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Act (NI) 2022 | Prison and/or fine |
| Ireland | No specific offence. Harassment and harmful communications offences under Coco's Law can apply | Varies |
| USA | Varies by state. Texas has a criminal offence, and California and Virginia let victims sue | Varies |
| Australia | Criminal Code s.474.17 (using a carriage service to harass or offend), plus state laws | Up to 5 years (federal) |
| Canada, New Zealand, South Africa | No specific offence. Harassment, harmful communication or indecency laws can apply | Varies |
See the country guides in the list below for full details.
What the prosecution has to prove (England and Wales)
Under section 66A, the sender must have intended the person to see the image, and either:
- intended to cause them alarm, distress or humiliation, or
- sent it for their own sexual gratification, and been reckless about whether it would cause alarm, distress or humiliation.
The second limb covers the common excuse "I just thought they'd like it". If you didn't check, you were taking the risk.
What to do if you receive an unsolicited nude
Don't reply or engage
You don't owe them a response.
Keep evidence
Screenshot the message showing the sender's username or number, and the date and time. If the image shows someone who could be under 18, don't screenshot or save it. Report it straight away.
Report and block
Report the account to the app or platform, then block it. Platforms in the UK now have a legal duty to deal with cyberflashing.
Report to the police if you want to
Call 101 in the UK, or 999 if you feel unsafe, for example if it happened on public transport and the person is nearby. On trains in Great Britain you can text British Transport Police on 61016.
Frequently asked questions
Is it illegal to send a dick pic?
Only if the person hasn't agreed to receive it. Sending an explicit photo to an adult who asked for it, or clearly agreed, isn't cyberflashing.
What if I sent it to the wrong person by accident?
A genuine accident isn't cyberflashing in England and Wales, because the offence needs intention. Apologise immediately, delete the message for everyone if the app allows it, and don't send anything further. See sent to the wrong person.
Can women commit cyberflashing?
Yes. The offences apply to anyone, whatever their gender.
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.