Sextortion

The word sextortion is a combination of the words “sex” and “extortion” (blackmail). It is when an (adult) individual uses erotic or sexual photos or videos of another person, which they actually have or claim to have, in order to blackmail them or coerce them into doing something. 

It is illegal to publish intimate photos without the subject’s consent or use their publication as a threat. 

An adult using sextortion generally uses the same tactics as in cybergrooming. The adult visits sites where children and adolescents spend their time online – on gaming sites, in social media (TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, etc.) and in chatrooms. 

Criminal networks have expertise in establishing contact with children and adolescents on social media sites and gaining their trust. The young victims feel like they have found someone special. If they consent to undress or masturbate in front of a camera, their act is recorded by the perpetrator who then uses it to blackmail the victim. Many sextortionists want money, but some demand that their victims send more images or meet in person for coerced sexual activity.

Sextortion can happen to adolescents and adults. Young men are most frequently targeted. They receive a message from someone who appears to be an attractive young woman. The “woman” sends them sexually explicit photos and videos (see also Sexting) and requests the same from them. Young people need to be aware that they no longer have control over their photos or videos once this content has been sent to others. Assurances that their pictures will be kept safe don’t change this fact. Sending intimate photos and videos invites the risk of being blackmailed later.

AI can be used to generate fake (but very real-looking) media content that shows victims engaging in sexual acts or posing sexually. The more pictures available online (for example from Instagram or other social media profiles), the more realistic the AI-generated content. These AI-generated materials can also be used to extort or coerce young people. 

Perpetrators can use AI to assume completely new identities in video calls, including different physical appearance, language, and the sound of their voice. 

• Don’t share your child’s personal information online if possible – and especially not on social media.
• Only share information online that you’d share with strangers offline. 
• Protect your child’s personal sphere – don’t post recognizable pictures of them. 
• Set your account to private or share photos of your child only with certain people. That way you have more control over who sees your posts.
• Be aware of your own behavior with media and the internet and set an example for your child.
• Show interest in what your child does online and talk to them about it, including about the dangers to be encountered in the digital world. Explain that not everyone whom they encounter online has good intentions, and that profiles may be fake – even those of other children. Your child should use caution, especially when contacted by strangers. --> Hinweis auf Checkliste Fakeprofile
• Learn about age-appropriate sex education for your child and talk to them about sexualized violence, both online and in real life. Talking openly about sexuality creates space for trust and promotes the child's healthy sexual development. 
• Practice defense strategies together: coaching your child to say “No” will enable them to use that skill when they need it. Responses like “I don’t want to!” or “I’m reporting you!” can be powerful deterrents.
• Help your child to protect themselves from sexualized violence. For example, you and your child can visit the exhibition “Love Limits” together. This exhibition is aimed at adolescents, parents and teachers. Here, young people can learn the importance of understanding and respecting personal boundaries in relationships.
• Use the following checklist to learn more about the posting of child images: https://www.kinderschutz.ch/eltern-und-erziehungsberechtigte/kinderbilder-im-netz (in German)

• If you need additional information and support, visit clickandstop.ch, an independent project where you can file a report and get advice anonymously. 
• Under no circumstances should you respond to extortionists' demands (e.g. making/sending images, sending money). 
• Do not blame your child. Show them that you are on their side. Sexualized violence against children and adolescents – online or offline – is never their fault.
• Let your child know that they have done nothing wrong and that they are not alone. Such incidents can make a child feel ashamed. They may not want to talk about it at first, but it’s important to engage in dialog in order to understand why your child was in contact with this person and how they can better protect themselves in the future.
• Give your child encouragement and assure them of your support. Sometimes children and adolescents will suddenly refuse to involve the authorities or will reject help. They may be afraid of having to get even more people involved (for example the police.) Explain to your child that these are professionals whose job is to help and support them.
• Go to the police as soon as you can after an incident and report it. Bring evidence with you if possible. Please note:
  • Do not save, share or edit photos or videos containing child pornography! Not only is making anything that contains sexual acts with minors prohibited – so is possessing or sharing it. Therefore, do not ask to be sent photos and videos with the intention of saving them on your cellphone as evidence. 
  • Take cellphones or tablets with such images to the police.
  • Compile any information you have on the perpetrator(s), such as: 
    • Perpetrator's username through screenshots which contain the registered name and photo overview of the perpetrator’s account. Record the date and time that the screenshots were made.
    • Details for sending money (e.g. bank accounts) in cases of extortion.
    • Email addresses, telephone numbers used, etc.
      
• Do not block/report the account on the platform until after the police have secured the evidence. This will allow the police to investigate/secure the extortionist’s account. 
• Sometimes sexualized violence or extortion attempts are even carried out by classmates. If need be, inform teachers or school social workers about the situation and find out what legal action you can take (link to more information). 
• Use the anonymous and free Take It Down service to prevent images from being shared on various platforms.

• Clickandstop
• Police
• Victim support centers

Hier erfahren Sie mehr über die Kampagne  «Gemeinsam gegen Cybersexualdelikte an Kindern und Jugendlichen»