The threat of intimate images being shared is enough for some people to not take or share any nude photos or videos at all. However, as long as adults are sharing these images consensually, there is nothing wrong with that. If you want to share intimate images but are afraid they might get shared without your consent or get into the wrong hands, there are precautions you can take to prevent that from happening. 

Prior to the pandemic, one in 25 Americans were victims of nonconsensual intimate image sharing or threats of sharing, reports the Washington Post. Once the pandemic hit, the number of revenge porn cases began to rise. Because it’s unfortunately so common, it makes sense that you’ll want to do everything you can to protect yourself before you take or share any images or videos. Here are four ways you can protect yourself and prevent your intimate images from being shared. 

1. Store Your Images Securely

Before you even take your photos, you’ll want to think about what device you’re going to take them on and how you’ll store them. It’s not a good idea to back your intimate photos up on the cloud because this allows them to be accessed from various locations. It’s also possible for the cloud to get hacked, which makes your photos vulnerable to being leaked. If you’re not sure if the photos on your device are backed up to the cloud, check first. If they are, turn off cloud backups. 

Another option for secure storage is programs like Google’s locked folder and Apple’s hidden albums. You can also save images in a password-protected folder or on a USB. Regardless of where and how you store your photos, always use a passcode for your phone and other devices. Better yet, use biometric protection such as fingerprint or facial recognition when possible. 

2. Make Sure You Can Trust The Recipient

The security of your intimate images is in the hands of everyone you send them to. Before you decide to send any photos, it’s a good idea to have an honest and open conversation with the recipient regarding what you feel comfortable with and how you want them to keep your images safe. You can discuss how you want them to store the images, when you want them to delete them, and who they are allowed to share them with (if anybody). 

It can be hard to know who you can trust, but there are a few things to look out for. First, you might be more likely to be able to trust somebody you’ve known for a long time. If somebody you just met is asking for intimate photos, that’s a red flag. Another clue is whether the person is pressuring you or not. If they are at all pressuring you to send photos, you may not be able to trust them. 

3. Share Your Images Securely

Just as you need to store your images securely, you also need to share them securely. Any time you share your images, be sure to use a secure messaging app that uses end-to-end encryption. This prevents your images from being stolen on their way to the recipient as it only allows you and the intended recipient to see them. Some apps also delete messages after a certain period of time. Some messaging apps to check out include Signal and Telegram. 

4. Don’t Include Identifying Information in Your Photos

This might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s easy to accidentally include identifying information in your photos. The first step is to make sure there isn’t anything visible in the picture that could identify you. If the photos do get leaked or shared, people may be able to identify you even without your face showing. Make sure you don’t include your face or any tattoos or identifying birthmarks. You also need to think about what people can see in the background of the picture. Remove any identifying artwork or photos on the wall. You’ll also want to make sure you’re not in front of a window that might reveal your location. 

Once you’ve taken your photos, you’ll also want to strip them of identifying data. Often, phones and other devices add EXIF data to photos, which can include information about the location, date, and time of the photo. You can use apps or programs on your computer to remove this data. 

What To Do If Your Photos Are Shared

Sometimes, despite all of these safeguards, your photos and videos can still get leaked or shared. We have a helpful guide for steps to take and what to do if your photos are shared. One of the most important things to do is seek legal counsel, as a revenge porn lawyer can help walk you through the next steps and help you fight for justice. In many cases, people who are victims of revenge porn are able to get protection from the perpetrator, and they are often able to get financially compensated as well.