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Intimate Images FAQ

This FAQ concerns the taking, creation, and dissemination of intimate images, including deep fakes. Anyone can be victimized by the non-consensual dissemination of an intimate image. And while many believe this is a problem that affects females—according to FBI statistics, 90% or more of non-consensually AI-generated intimate images are of women and girls—college aged males and people who identify as non-binary and trans are also victims of the non-consensual dissemination of their intimate images. The purpose of this FAQ is to educate the University community concerning the consensual taking and sharing of intimate images and to ensure that all members of the community understand what conduct violates University policy.

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May students take and share intimate images without violating the Student Conduct Code or Prohibited Discrimination and Retaliation Policy?

Students over the age of 18 may take and share intimate images with the consent of those depicted in the images. However, it is a violation of University policy (1) to take or share intimate images without the consent of the person(s) depicted in the images and (2) to possess or disseminate images of child sexual abuse and child pornography. This includes the creation and dissemination of deepfakes. Taking and sharing intimate images without consent is considered sexual exploitation under University policy and a crime under Oregon law. It is also a violation of the law to possess or disseminate images of child sexual abuse and child pornography. The term “intimate images” includes photos, videos, social media posts, as well as AI generated or altered intimate images. Students and employees who are determined to have engaged in such conduct will be sanctioned by the University, up to and including suspension/expulsion from the University or suspension/termination from employment.

How can I safely share my intimate images?

You should never feel that you have to share an intimate image. But if you choose to, there are steps that you can take to help to protect yourself against the unwanted dissemination of your intimate images:

  • Only share your intimate images with someone that you have met, know, and trust. This will often mean only sharing your intimate images with an intimate partner you know well. You can choose to share your intimate image with one romantic partner, but not another. Romantic partners have to right to possess your image.
  • If you choose to share your intimate images, especially with someone whom you have never met, consider sharing images that do not include your face or identifying marks such as tattoos, scars, and birthmarks.

Should I be able to meet people and share my image without worrying about my image being shared without my permission?

You should, but that does not mean that you can. You have the right to share your intimate image with whomever you choose. And it is not your fault if someone violates your trust and shares your image without your consent. At the same time, there are real and considerable risks to sharing your intimate images: the risk that your image will be reshared without your consent, the risk of experiencing sextortion, the risk that your image could be posted online or otherwise shared without your consent, and the accompanying risk to your mental well-being. Ultimately, you will be the one harmed if someone else violates your trust. So, sharing an intimate image with another person should always be a fully voluntary decision, and members of the campus community are encouraged to not share their image if they do not feel completely comfortable doing so.

Finally, while people often think of the nonconsensual taking and sharing of images as an issue that impacts women, and it does, it also impacts men and boys. So, we encourage all students and employees, regardless of sex or gender identity, to ask for help if victimized.

How does sextortion work?

Sextortion is the practice of extorting money or sexual favors from someone by threatening to reveal evidence of their sexual activity, including disseminating their intimate images. Here is an example: a social media post pops up, someone has reached out to say, “hi,” or there is a text message from a number you don’t recognize, and the person strikes up a conversation with you. These messages seem innocent enough. But they are often the first step towards experiencing sextortion. There are manipulative people who will try to befriend you to obtain your intimate image and ransom you.

You are encouraged to not respond to these messages. If you do respond, you are encouraged to not share your intimate images because there is a high risk that the person who reached out intends harm. If you share an image, they may demand money from you or that you provide additional photos, often increasingly explicit photos.

Does paying a ransom mean that an image won’t be disseminated to others?

Maybe or maybe not. There are times when the scammer will go away after receiving a payment, maybe $500 or $1,000 or more. Other times, payment is followed by demands for additional payment, or additional intimate images, sometimes increasingly explicit images, which may or may not bring the sextortion to an end.

What are the consequences of sextortion?

The consequences of sextortion on the person being ransomed are often devastating: feelings of betrayal, shame, depression, and anxiety. It does not matter that the person engaging in sextortion is at fault: victims of this crime often still feel as though they did something wrong. This is in addition to the potential real-world impacts of someone’s intimate image being released without their consent. And unfortunately, those responsible are often not identifiable and may be beyond the reach of US law enforcement.

Will the University reimburse me for money I pay to someone who sextorted me?

The University has a fund available to assist students who have experienced sex and gender-based violence. The fund can be used to cover necessary out-of-pocket expenses such as moving costs, medical costs, and other out-of-pocket costs related to their experience. Receipts for goods and services are required to document costs incurred by students. The University cannot, however, reimburse money paid to scammers, including if you experienced sextortion.

How common is sextortion?

Sextortion is the fastest growing cybercrime according to both the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security. The FBI and other law enforcement agencies have issued public safety alerts regarding an "explosion" of these scams, which are heavily driven by organized criminal networks and the rise of AI technology. Globally, it is estimated that 1 in 7 adults has fallen victim to sextortion.

People all over the country, including UO students, are being tricked into sending naked pictures. Scammers use avatars or (other people’s) attractive photos and manipulation techniques to induce people into sharing their intimate images. Once an image has been shared, demands for payment—or increasingly explicit photos—to forestall dissemination begin.

What kind of laws exist to protect students and employees from the nonconsensual dissemination of their intimate images?

Under Oregon Law, ORS 163.472, it is a misdemeanor to "disclose an identifiable image" of someone "whose intimate parts are visible or who is engaged in sexual conduct" with the "intent to harass, humiliate or injure." The crime can be escalated to a felony charge for a second offense. Such laws are helpful in that they may discourage some from engaging in the conduct and they provide recourse. But these laws contemplate that an intimate image has already been disseminated without consent.

Please be aware that if someone from outside the United States is responsible for what happened to you, legal action may prove difficult or impossible.

What should I do if I find my intimate image online and I did not give permission for it to be taken or shared?

While it may feel uncomfortable to do so, you are encouraged to retain a record of the image. This may mean that you will need to take a screenshot of the image. Also note where you found the image and if you have information about who may have posted it. Such documentation will be helpful in the event you decide to report what you found, whether to the University or to law enforcement.

You should also contact the site hosting the image and request that it be removed. Follow the links below for instructions about how to request that your intimate image be taken down by:

In addition, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children offers a resource, Take It Down, that assigns a unique digital fingerprint called a hash value to nude, partially nude, or sexually explicit images or videos of people under the age of 18. Online platforms can use hash values to detect these images or videos on their services and remove this content. This all happens without the image or video leaving your device or anyone viewing it.

Where can I go for help on campus?

Students have options, including the option to receive confidential support and the option to report to the University or to law enforcement.

  • Care and Advocacy Program (CAP): A Confidential Advocate can provide support and advocacy for students experiencing sex and gender-based violence and harassment, including sexual exploitation. CAP services are available 24/7, and the phone number is on the reverse side of all UO ID cards. Schedule an appointment with an Advocate during regular business hours.
  • The Counseling Center: Counselors are available to assist students. The Counseling Center can generally see students the same day and they operate an after-hours line. The crisis line (541-346-3227) can be reached outside of business hours.
  • Office of Equal Opportunity and Access (OEOA): This office investigates allegations of sex and gender-based harassment and violence, including sexual exploitation, by students and employees. Students should submit a report. An OEOA team member will reach out to share information and resources.
  • UOPD has a detective who specializes in investigating sex crimes. Contact UOPD at its non-emergency number (541-346-2919) to file a report.
  • Graduate Employees are eligible for all student services, as well as some employee benefits. GEs are encouraged to contact OEOA at eoa@uoregon.edu for assistance.

Students may request supportive measures from CAP or OEOA. Supportive measures will be tailored to an individual’s needs and circumstances and may include academic supportive measures, a No Contact Directive, financial, housing or transportation assistance, counseling services, alternate work arrangements, among others. Students are not required to participate in a formal Student Conduct process to receive supportive measures. And supportive measures are available regardless of whether the person who harmed you is affiliated with the University.

University employees may request supportive measures from OEOA:

  • HR Leaves works closely with OEOA to coordinate protected leave for employees reporting certain forms of sex or gender-based harassment and violence, as well as certain crimes. In addition, Employee and Labor Relations works closely with OEOA to coordinate supportive measures for employees who have experienced discrimination or harassment.
  • Revive: A confidential employee assistance program for regular UO employees employed at least half-time.
  • UOPD has a detective who specializes in investigating sex crimes. Contact UOPD at its non-emergency number (541-346-2919) to file a report.

What else should I know?

Please note that the University does not have the authority to investigate and/or sanction people who are not affiliated with the University. However, help is still available. Students and employees are therefore encouraged to contact CAP/OEOA, in the case of students, or OEOA/HR, in the case of employees, for non-judgmental help and support.