ShopA photo of you is online, and you didn't say yes
A snapshot in the group chat, a video in someone's story, a picture with a comment underneath. That can feel awful. There are things you can do.
First, breathe
You didn't do anything wrong. Whoever shares an image without permission is responsible for that, not you. Talk to someone you trust: a parent, an older sibling, a teacher or a school counselor.
Save the evidence
Take screenshots that show the date, the profile and the link before anything gets deleted. There's one exception: with nude images, don't forward them and don't save or send them as evidence. Go straight to an adult and the police. Even forwarding them can be a crime.
Report it and ask for it to be taken down
Almost every platform has a way to report images posted without consent. You can also ask the person who posted it to delete it. Short and clear: "Please delete that photo. I didn't agree to it."
The law
The rules differ from country to country. In many places, sharing someone's image without consent, especially in a humiliating way, can break the law. If it's serious, you can go to the police with an adult. This page is not legal advice.
And for everyone else
If you receive an image like that, you can do a lot just by not forwarding it and letting the person in it know. In the world of ELSEWISE, Mila always asks before she takes someone's picture. That's not a rule, just decency.
FAQ
Can someone post a photo of me without asking?
In many countries, not without consent, especially if it's private or embarrassing. The exact rules depend on where you live.
What do I do if the photo keeps getting shared?
Save evidence, report it and bring in an adult. With nude images, contact the police right away and don't forward anything yourself.
Where can I get help if this is getting to me?
On our help page you'll find free, confidential hotlines in the US, the UK, Australia, Germany and Spain.
ELSEWISE tells stories. We are not psychologists, doctors or counselors, and we can't give you personal advice. If something is weighing on you, talk to someone you trust or contact one of the services on our help page.