The Renfrew Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is warning the public, particularly youth and parents about the growing risks associated with sharing personal or intimate images online.
There has been an increase in cases involving image-based abuse, online extortion (also known as sextortion), and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images.
Some steps to protect yourself online include:
- Think before you share: Once an image is sent or posted, control over it is lost.
- Secure your accounts: Review privacy settings on all social media platforms.
- Do not respond to threats: If someone demands money or more images, stop communicating and contact police immediately.
- Report and get help: Visit www.cybertip.ca or contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
Think carefully before you share, protect your privacy, and know that help is available if something goes wrong.
For more information about online safety and protecting yourself from digital exploitation, visit www.opp.ca or the Canadian Centre for Child Protection at www.protectchildren.ca.
(Richard Evans)