Sexting and digital consent
Privacy, image-sharing, pressure and the limits of “disappearing” content.
Digital consent is still consent
Receiving an intimate image does not grant permission to save, forward, post, threaten with or show it to anyone else. Consent to create or send content can be withdrawn, though copies may be impossible to recover.
No platform is risk-free
Disappearing messages can still be captured by screenshots, another device, backups or compromised accounts. Avoid including identifying details if you choose to share anything.
Age and law matter
Sexual images involving anyone under 18 can create serious safeguarding and legal consequences, even when self-created or shared between teenagers. Never request, keep or forward such material.
If someone threatens you
Do not pay or send more content. Preserve evidence, block the account, report it to the platform and speak to a trusted person or local cybercrime service. If you are in immediate danger in India, call 112.
Keep these three points
What to remember
- ✓Forwarding intimate content requires permission.
- ✓Disappearing content is not guaranteed to disappear.
- ✓Never create, request or share sexual images of a minor.
Sources & further reading
External guidance can change. Use the linked health authority for the latest detail.
UNICEF — Online safety↗