Sextortion Awareness in June: Tips for Protecting Yourself Online

June is recognized as Internet Safety Month, and this year, an important focus is on the growing threat of sextortion. This disturbing crime occurs when someone is coerced or blackmailed into providing explicit images or performing sexual acts online, often under threat of releasing compromising material to friends, family, or the public. As we observe June Internet Safety Month sextortion, it’s critical to raise awareness about the dangers of sextortion and provide helpful tips for protecting yourself from this online crime.

In this article, we’ll discuss what sextortion is, how it can affect individuals, and key steps you can take to protect yourself from falling victim to it.

What is Sextortion?

Sextortion is a form of cybercrime where someone is threatened with the release of sexually explicit material unless they comply with certain demands, which often include sending more explicit images, performing sexual acts, or providing money. This crime typically starts with a predator contacting the victim, often posing as someone they know or an online acquaintance. The predator may use deception to trick the victim into sending explicit content, and once the victim complies, the predator demands more material or money in exchange for keeping the images private.

Sextortion can have devastating effects on the victim, causing emotional distress, anxiety, and harm to relationships. However, it’s important to remember that no one deserves to be extorted, and there are ways to protect yourself online, especially during June Internet Safety Month sextortion awareness campaigns.

Tips for Protecting Yourself From Sextortion

Be Cautious About What You Share Online

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect yourself is to limit the amount of personal and intimate information you share online. This includes both text and images. Even if someone online seems trustworthy, remember that you cannot control who else might access the content you send.

During June Internet Safety Month sextortion efforts, we encourage individuals, especially teens and young adults, to avoid sharing explicit images or videos. Once something is sent online, it can be impossible to remove it completely, and it may end up in the wrong hands.

2. Use Privacy Settings to Control Who Can See Your Content

Many social media platforms, messaging apps, and online services have robust privacy settings that allow you to control who can see your posts, photos, and personal details. Take the time to explore these settings and adjust them to limit who can view your content.

For example, make sure only your trusted friends can access your private profiles or photos on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Snapchat. It’s important to regularly review your settings to ensure they align with your current preferences.

3. Don’t Accept Friend Requests or Messages from Strangers

Predators often create fake profiles to gain access to potential victims. They may pose as a peer, a celebrity, or someone with shared interests in order to build trust and manipulate the individual. In the digital age, it’s essential to be selective about who you accept as a friend or follower.

If you receive unsolicited messages from strangers, don’t engage. Block the sender immediately, and report the incident to the platform. Remember that most social media networks have built-in reporting features to help address these types of situations.

4. Understand the Risks of Video Chats and Webcam Usage

Many cases of sextortion begin with a video chat or webcam interaction. Cybercriminals may convince the victim to turn on their webcam or video chat while engaging in inappropriate activity. Once the footage is recorded, the extortion begins.

If you’re ever in a video call with someone you don’t fully trust, be cautious about what is visible on camera. Always ensure your webcam is turned off when not in use, and avoid participating in private video chats with individuals you don’t know personally. It’s important to recognize that these predators may try to manipulate or pressure you into taking these risks.

5. Recognize the Warning Signs of Sextortion

It’s crucial to recognize the early signs of sextortion so that you can act quickly to protect yourself. Some warning signs include:

Receiving explicit requests or messages from someone you don’t know.

Someone threatening to release explicit material unless you comply with their demands.

Feeling uncomfortable or pressured by someone you’ve met online.

If any of these signs occur, don’t hesitate to stop communication with the individual and seek help. If you’re already a victim of sextortion, it’s important to gather evidence, such as screenshots or chat logs, and report the crime to the authorities or the platform where the incident occurred.

6. Talk to Trusted Adults or Authorities

If you or someone you know is being extorted, it’s essential to reach out for support. Talk to a parent, teacher, or another trusted adult who can help guide you through the process of reporting the crime. There are also hotlines and support organizations that specialize in cybercrime and sextortion.

In the context of June Internet Safety Month sextortion awareness, many organizations provide resources and educational materials to help individuals understand their rights and take action. Law enforcement agencies are also increasingly trained to investigate online crimes like sextortion, and they can offer support in these situations.

7. Educate Others About Sextortion

Awareness is the key to prevention. Use June Internet Safety Month sextortion as an opportunity to educate your peers, family, and friends about the dangers of sextortion. By having open conversations and sharing safety tips, you help create a network of informed individuals who are better equipped to avoid becoming victims.

8. Report Sextortion Immediately

If you are ever threatened with sextortion, it’s crucial to report the situation right away. Don’t engage with the predator or give in to their demands. Instead, block them and report the incident to the platform administrators, the police, or organizations like the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

Sextortion is a crime, and victims should never feel shame or blame. There is help available, and prompt reporting can prevent further harm.

Conclusion

June Internet Safety Month sextortion is an opportunity to raise awareness about this growing online threat and empower individuals to protect themselves. By following these tips and remaining vigilant about your online activity, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to sextortion. Remember, the internet can be a wonderful place for connection and communication, but it’s important to approach it with caution, awareness, and respect for both yourself and others.

Let’s make this June a time to come together to increase internet safety awareness and help keep the digital world a safer place for everyone.