Quick version
Keep your face out of the shot. Cover or crop out tattoos, birthmarks and piercings. Use a plain background. Check for mirrors and reflections. Turn off location tagging. And send through an app that strips photo data, or take a screenshot of the photo and send the screenshot.
The identity checklist
| Check | Why it matters | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Face | Face plus nudity is what sextortionists want most | Crop above the chin or below the shoulders, or turn away |
| Tattoos, scars, birthmarks | Friends and family will recognise them instantly | Cover with clothing or a hand, crop out, or use a sticker before sending |
| Jewellery and nails | Rings, chains and distinctive manicures are recognisable | Take them off, or keep them out of frame |
| Background | Wallpaper, art, bedding, windows and views can reveal where you live | Use a plain wall or sheet, and close curtains |
| Mirrors and reflections | Mirrors, TV screens, glasses and windows can show your face or room | Check every reflective surface, and avoid mirror selfies |
| Personal items | Letters, ID badges, uniforms, photos and school or work logos | Clear the area before shooting |
| Location data | Photos can contain GPS coordinates showing exactly where they were taken | Turn off location for the camera (see below) |
| Notifications | A screenshot can capture your name or number from a notification banner | Turn on Do Not Disturb before taking or screenshotting anything |
Photo metadata (EXIF), explained
Turn off location for photos
- iPhone: Settings, Privacy and Security, Location Services, Camera, set to "Never". When sharing from Photos, tap "Options" and turn off "Location".
- Android: open the Camera app settings and turn off "Location tags" (the wording varies by phone). In Google Photos you can remove the location before sharing.
The screenshot trick
Screenshotting your own photo and sending the screenshot creates a new image without the original camera metadata. Just make sure no notifications or status bar details are in the shot, and crop the edges.
Reverse image search and your social media
If a photo you send is also on your social media, even cropped differently, someone can use a reverse image search to find your profiles. Never send intimate images that are edits of photos you've posted publicly, and use different backgrounds and outfits from your public pictures.
Don't forget about the other person
If you're in a photo or video with a partner, they need to agree to it being taken and to who it's sent to. Their face and identifying details deserve the same protection as yours. Sharing an intimate image of someone else without their consent is a crime. See intimate image abuse.
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