When intimate content is shared in a group chat

01

Respond without adding another audience

If you received the material, avoid saving, reacting to or redistributing it. Tell the affected person privately through a safe channel when appropriate, without attaching the image. Ask how they want support rather than requiring them to explain intimate details to the group.

Record the group identifier, sender and relevant time where safe. Do not create or share screenshots containing sexual imagery of minors. If a child may be involved, use the platform's child-safety reporting route and appropriate specialist support.

02

Separate administration from platform review

A group administrator may have tools to remove content or participants, depending on the service. The platform has a separate reporting process. Use the option that accurately describes the content and preserve acknowledgment details without repeatedly reposting the material.

• Identify the specific message through the official reporting flow.
• Explain the lack of consent when known.
• Avoid naming unrelated group members publicly.
• Review whether remaining in the group creates further risk.
• Keep a concise record of actions and responses.

03

Understand what prevention tools can do

For eligible images created when the person was under eighteen, NCMEC's Take It Down provides a hashing process using material already on the person's device. It explicitly says not to download or request a copy to use the service. Its reach is limited to participating public or unencrypted services.

For adults, review StopNCII's eligibility and participating-platform scope. Neither tool replaces a report about the known chat message or guarantees deletion from every recipient's device. If threats or coercion continue, address those safety concerns separately with appropriate local assistance.

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