What is online sexual abuse, and why is it rising so rapidly? Online sexual exploitation, including revenge porn, deepfakes, and non-consensual intimate image abuse, has become one of the most dangerous and underreported forms of gender-based violence. These crimes cause lasting emotional and psychological harm, destroying reputations and devastating lives.
The story of deepfake porn survivor Breeze Liu highlights the scale of the problem. At just 17, explicit images of her were uploaded without consent and spread across multiple platforms. Years later, deepfake pornography created from those stolen images resurfaced, showing just how difficult it is to regain control once private content is online. Her ordeal underscores systemic failures in content removal and the urgent need for stronger protections.
The 2023 documentary “Another Body” follows a college student seeking justice after discovering deepfake pornography of herself online. The film delves into the emotional and legal battles faced by victims of such exploitation, shedding light on the profound personal impacts and the complexities of addressing deepfake abuses.
This brief article aims to shed light on these issues, offering understanding, support, and practical steps for women worldwide to protect themselves and combat this sinister form of abuse.
What Are the Different Types of Online Sexual Abuse?
What is Revenge Porn
This term refers to the unauthorised sharing of intimate images or videos, often by ex-partners, with the intent to humiliate or harm. Despite the term “revenge,” motivations can vary, including profit or notoriety. The impact on victims is universally devastating, leading to emotional distress, reputational damage, and, in severe cases, physical danger or even suicide.
What are Deepfakes
Utilising artificial intelligence (AI), deepfakes involve superimposing an individual’s likeness onto explicit content without their consent. The accessibility of AI tools has made creating such fabricated content increasingly easy, leading to a surge in deepfake pornography. Alarmingly, research indicates that a vast majority of deepfake content targets women, exacerbating gender-based online violence. A 2019 study by the cybersecurity firm Deeptrace found that 96% of deepfake videos online were pornographic, with women being the primary victims.
What Are Non-Consensual Intimate Images (NCII)
This refers to the creation, sharing, or distribution of intimate images or videos without the subject’s explicit permission. Unlike revenge porn, which often involves an ex-partner seeking retribution, NCII can stem from various sources, including hacked devices, covert recordings, or manipulated media. Regardless of intent, the impact is deeply distressing, leading to personal and professional harm for victims. Organisations like StopNCII.org offer a proactive way to prevent intimate images from being shared by using digital fingerprinting technology to track and block unauthorised uploads. ‘Removify‘ is arguably one of the most experienced content removal sites in the world. They have done it successfully thousand of times and built a special technology platform to make their work even faster and more effective. Their success rate is around 80%. The ‘Cyber Civil Rights Initiative‘ and ‘Without My Consent‘ also offer specialised support.
Google and other platforms have also introduced clearer guidelines on the removal of non-consensual, explicit, or intimate images. Copyright infringement so-called DMCA takedowns, could also be a quick and easy way to get images removed.
What Do Recent Cases Reveal About the Scale of AI-Driven Sexual Abuse?
The rise of AI-fueled sexual abuse isn’t hypothetical, it’s happening, now, and it’s devastating lives.
In Hong Kong, a law student used AI tools to create over 700 nonconsensual pornographic images of his classmates. The victims didn’t even know until authorities launched a criminal probe, calling it a blatant breach of privacy and a grim warning of how easily young people can be targeted.
In India, a man took a single photo of his ex-girlfriend and, using deepfake technology, built a fake online persona with 1.4 million followers, mass-producing explicit content and cashing in on her stolen image. It took police intervention to stop the abuse, but not before the damage was done.
And in the U.S., it’s taken years of survivor activism and public outrage to push forward the Take It Down Act (2025), now requiring platforms to remove nonconsensual intimate images, including deepfakes, within 48 hours. A small but vital step, in a battle where the technology is evolving far faster than the laws meant to protect victims.
How Are Governments and Organisations Responding to Online Sexual Exploitation Globally?
Recognising the severity of online sexual exploitation, various countries and organisations have initiated measures to combat these abuses:
- United Kingdom: The Office of Communications (Ofcom) has urged tech companies to enhance their efforts against revenge porn and explicit deepfakes. Recommendations include implementing hash-matching technology to identify and remove illicit images and introducing default privacy settings to protect women and girls online.
- United States: Legislative efforts, such as the proposed “Take It Down” Act, aim to criminalise the distribution of AI-generated explicit content without consent. This initiative seeks to provide federal protections to victims and mandates prompt removal of such content from online platforms.
- International Initiatives: Organisations like the Canadian Centre for Child Protection operate platforms such as Cybertip.ca, offering resources and reporting mechanisms for victims of online sexual exploitation. These initiatives emphasise the importance of global collaboration in addressing the pervasive issue of non-consensual intimate image distribution.
How Can You Protect Yourself and Find Support Against Online Sexual Abuse?
While systemic changes are essential, individual actions can also play a crucial role in protection and recovery:
- Utilise Support Services: Platforms like StopNCII.org provide tools to help victims remove non-consensual intimate images from the internet. Operated by the Revenge Porn Helpline, this service has successfully facilitated the removal of over 200,000 images, boasting a 90% success rate.
- Cyber Civil Rights Initiative (CCRI): This organisation offers a 24/7 Image Abuse Helpline, providing immediate assistance to victims of image-based sexual abuse. Their Safety Centre also offers resources and guidance on how to navigate and recover from such incidents
- Without My Consent: This platform empowers victims of online privacy violations by providing educational materials and legal resources to combat online harassment. They offer guides on steps victims can take to regain control and seek justice.
- Report and Document Abuse: If you discover unauthorised explicit content of yourself online, document the URLs and take screenshots as evidence. Report the abuse to the platform hosting the content and utilize available reporting tools. In many jurisdictions, sharing intimate images without consent is illegal, and law enforcement agencies can offer assistance.
- Seek Emotional Support: Experiencing online sexual exploitation can be traumatic. Reach out to trusted friends, family, or professional counsellors. Numerous organisations offer helplines and support groups for victims, providing a safe space to share experiences and receive guidance.
- Enhance Digital Security: Regularly review and adjust privacy settings on social media accounts. Be cautious about the personal information and images you share online, as perpetrators often exploit publicly available data.
If you ever come across explicit content of yourself online, please be assured you are not alone, and help is available. Take screenshots or save evidence, report the material to the digital platform, reach out for legal advice, and consult with support services that are more than happy to stand beside you. Above all, please believe me, you are not at fault. The shame is not yours to carry,. It rightfully belongs to the person who violated your trust.
How Can Collective Action and Advocacy Help Combat Online Sexual Exploitation?
There is no question about it, addressing online sexual exploitation requires a collective effort:
- Tech Industry Accountability: Technology companies and social media platforms must prioritise user safety by implementing robust content moderation, developing tools to detect and remove non-consensual explicit content, and ensuring swift responses to reports of abuse.
- Educational Initiatives: Schools and community organisations should educate individuals about the ethical use of technology, consent, and the legal ramifications of sharing intimate images without permission. Empowering young people with this knowledge can foster a culture of respect and responsibility online.
- Advocacy for Stronger Legislation: Support and advocate for laws that criminalise all forms of non-consensual intimate image distribution. Legal frameworks should focus on a clear definition and the absence of consent rather than the perpetrator’s intent, ensuring comprehensive protection for victims.
The digital age, while offering numerous benefits, has also introduced complex challenges, particularly concerning the online sexual exploitation of women. By understanding the mechanisms of abuse, utilising available resources, and advocating for systemic change, women worldwide can reclaim their autonomy and safety in digital spaces.
About the Author
Now recognised as a Gender-Based Violence Expert, Robert Kaiser specialises in criminology-informed strategies to prevent violence against women, integrating insights from sociology and behavioural psychology. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Criminology, focusing on Synthesising Escalation Pattern Analysis Across the Dynamics of Intimate Partner Violence to Improve Lethality Assessments. If you would like to follow his academic journey and access his publications, please visit his ResearchGate profile.
Robert has worked closely with hundreds of female survivors of physical and sexual crimes and is the author of NEVER A VICTIM, a 530-page survivor-led, trauma-informed guide to women’s safety.