A recent survey of adults between the ages of 18 and 54 Footnote 27 found that 1 in 10 ex-partners have threatened to expose intimate photos of their ex on-line, and according to the survey, these threats have been carried out in 60% of the cases. Much of what is known about this behaviour is anecdotal and comes from the United States. There is limited data on the extent and the nature of this activity. Extent of Non-Consensual Distribution of Intimate Images

The effect of this distribution is a violation of the depicted person's privacy in relation to images, the distribution of which is likely to be embarrassing, humiliating, harassing, and degrading or to otherwise harm that person. Often these images are originally intended for an individual or only a small number of other people but are disseminated more widely than the originator consented to or anticipated. Young people are increasingly consensually exchanging intimate images, which may later become fodder for humiliating cyberbullying attacks, with these images spreading quickly and often uncontrollably. During the relationship, the partners may exchange or take intimate photos of themselves for their personal use, but when the relationship breaks down, one of the former partners may provide/distribute the intimate images to the other partners' family, friends, employers etc., or may post such images on the Internet, in order to seek revenge on their former partner.

The non-consensual distribution of intimate images (including videos) can occur in various situations involving adults and youth, including relationship breakdown and cyberbullying. Non-Consensual Distribution of Intimate Images Introduction Cyberbullying and the Non-consensual Distribution of Intimate Images

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