Resource ● Last updated 18 May 2026 ● 11 min read
What to do if someone uses your photo online without consent
In this article
Print & save
Share
Is this resource for me?
This resource is for you if:
- Your image, photo, or name has been shared online without your consent.
- Someone is using your image to impersonate you, harass you, or for commercial purposes.
- You want to know your rights and practical steps to get harmful or unauthorised images removed.
What will I learn?
By the end of this resource, you’ll know how to:
- Identify what type of image misuse has happened and what legal options are available.
- Take immediate, practical steps to document and report unauthorised image use.
- Understand the main legal pathways for removal, protection, and (in rare cases) compensation.
- Recognise when and how to get professional help, including free support services.
- Connect image misuse to related issues like family violence, discrimination, or workplace problems.
PART 1: Test your knowledge
PART 2: What are the types of image misuse?
What it means:
This is when someone shares, or threatens to share, a private or sexual image of you without your permission. It does not matter how they got the image, when it was taken, or what your relationship is with that person.
What it looks like:
- An intimate image you once shared consensually being shared again without your permission
- A partner or ex-partner sharing intimate photos or videos of you after a breakup
- Someone using AI or editing software to create a fake nude or sexual image of you, even if no real intimate image exists (this is called a deepfake)
- Images of you without your usual religious or cultural clothing (for example, hijab or other coverings)
- Photos taken in private without your knowledge, such as in a bathroom, shower, or bedroom
- Someone threatening to post an image unless you pay them money or do something they want (this is called sextortion)
What it means:
This is when someone pretends to be you online using your name, photos, or personal details, or creates a completely fake identity using your image to trick or harm others.
What it looks like:
- A fake profile used to scam others, so they think you are the scammer
- A fake Facebook, Instagram, or dating profile using your real name and photos
- Someone messaging your friends, family, or employer while pretending to be you
- A fake account set up to make you look bad, spread lies, or damage your reputation
- Someone using your image on a dating app to deceive people into romantic or financial relationships (this is called catfishing)
What it means:
This is when a business or person uses your photo, name, or likeness to sell something or promote themselves, without ever asking for your permission.
What it looks like:
- AI-generated images or avatars based on your likeness used commercially
- A business using a photo of you in their advertising or website without your knowledge
- Your face appearing on a product, flyer, or social media campaign you never agreed to
- A beauty clinic, gym, or service using your “before and after” photo without consent
- Someone using your name or reputation to make it look like you endorse their product
What it means:
This covers situations where someone uses photos or videos of you — not intimate ones — in a way that is still deeply cruel, frightening, or humiliating. The image itself may be ordinary, but the way it is used causes serious harm.
What it looks like:
- Content created specifically to make others target or harass you
- Your face edited onto another person’s body in a mocking or humiliating way
- A normal photo of you paired with a false, hateful, or threatening caption
- A video or meme of you shared widely to bully or ridicule you
- Repeated posting of your photos alongside abusive comments designed to embarrass or intimidate you
PART 3: What to do if you think you’ve been affected
WARNING: Don’t engage with the poster
- Do not try to contact the person who shared the image (as this often makes things worse and may prompt them to blackmail you if they haven’t already).
- Don’t share or re-post the image yourself.
1. Document everything
Take screenshots or a recording of the image, where it was posted, the URL, the account that posted it (including their username, user ID, or profile URL), any comments, and the date/time you discovered it. Save these securely and do not alter or edit them.
2. Report to the platform
Use the platform’s reporting tools to flag the content as non-consensual intimate imagery, impersonation, or harassment. Most major platforms (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X) have dedicated processes for this. Reporting methods vary but may be done in-app (often via the three-dots menu or ‘Report’ option), through the platform’s help centre, or by sending the platform or website an email.
3. Contact image-based abuse to the eSafety Commissioner
Report at esafety.gov.au. The Commissioner can issue removal notices, and platforms typically respond within 48 hours. This is free and does not require a lawyer.
4. Prioritise your safety (if family violence is involved)
If the image misuse is connected to family violence or an intimate partner, contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) immediately.
5. Consider reporting to police and seeking legal advice
If the image is not removed or you are at risk of harm, report to police (for criminal offences) or seek legal advice about civil claims.
PART 4: Template letter for requesting removal of an image
The template below provides example wording you may choose to use when asking a platform to remove an image of you that has been shared without your consent. You can adapt this template or use your own wording to suit your circumstances and the platform you are contacting.
[Date]
Dear [PLATFORM NAME] / To whom it may concern,
I am writing to notify you that [insert name of poster] has shared images of me without my consent.
[Insert details of the unauthorised image sharing, including (if relevant):
- When the sharing occurred;
- Any known details of the person who posted the image without your consent;
- Links to the posts of profiles where the image appears.]
[If applicable: I understand this post breaches the platform’s Terms of Use because [insert reason].]
[Delete this paragraph or any bullet points if they do not apply:] This matter has been reported to:
- the police – reference number: [insert reference number];
- the eSafety Commissioner – reference number: [insert reference number]
I am requesting that [insert platform name] remove the posts listed above, as these images were shared without my knowledge or authorisation [Optional: and this is continuing to cause me harm and distress.]
Please let me know if you require any further information.
Yours sincerely,
[Your full name]
[Your contact details]
You can download this letter as a Word document below.
Template letter to request removal of an image
PART 5: Exploring hypothetical scenarios
PART 6: Making a complaint to the regulator or other bodies
Platform removal and eSafety Commissioner reports are the fastest options. But depending on the nature of the image misuse, you may also have the right to complain to a regulator or other body.
Where to complain:
Complain when:
The image involves:
- Discrimination based on race, religion, sexuality, or gender identity
- Hate speech targeting a protected characteristic
What this may achieve:
Regulatory investigation, possible conciliation, or internal remedies.
Where to complain:
Complain when:
The image is used in trade or commerce to:
- Mislead or deceive consumers
- Create a false endorsement (e.g. your image used to promote a product without consent)
What this may achieve:
Investigation into misleading or deceptive conduct.
Where to complain:
Complain when:
The image is used in a workplace context involving:
- Bullying or harassment
- Sexual harassment by a colleague or manager
What this may achieve:
Workplace investigation, conciliation, or disciplinary action.
PART 7: Understanding the role of evidence
WARNING
Do not take screenshots or photos of illegal and restricted content, especially child sexual exploitation material. Possessing, creating, or sharing sexualised images of people under 18 is unlawful. For more information about relevant laws in Australia, visit Youth Law Australia.
What evidence to keep
If you think you’ve been the target of image misuse, you’ll need to collect evidence. It is recommended that you start collecting evidence as early as possible.
Whether you report to a platform, the eSafety Commissioner, police, or a court, the quality of your evidence directly affects the outcome.
| Evidence item | Essential | Nice to have |
|---|---|---|
| Screenshots of the image showing the full page, URL, and date | YES | |
| Screenshots of any captions, tags, comments, or related text | YES | |
| Timeline of events: when you discovered the image, when it was posted, when it was removed (if applicable) | YES | |
| Email confirmations of any reports or complaints you have made (e.g. to the platform, eSafety Commissioner, police) | YES | |
| Any communications about the image, such as messages, emails, or posts from the person responsible | YES | |
| Copies of police reports or responses from regulatory bodies (eSafety Commissioner, AHRC, FWC, FWO) | YES | |
| Notes on how the incident has affected you, such as emotional, psychological, or practical impact | YES | |
| Record of time spent dealing with the incident and its consequences | YES | |
| Outcomes from any internal workplace processes | YES |
How to save evidence
1. Organise and back-up
Organise your evidence in a dedicated physical or digital folder. Use cloud storage and a physical backup. Name your files clearly (e.g. ‘Screenshot_Instagram_15Jan2026’).
2. Update regularly
Update your evidence file as new developments occur, such as new posts, messages, responses, or impacts. A living, dated record is more credible than a single snapshot.
3. Keep originals
Always keep the original version of each file. Do not crop, edit, or compress screenshots. Original metadata (date, device, location) can itself be evidence. Clearly label your documents as originals or copies.
4. Do not open unnecessarily
Avoid opening or editing electronic documents unless necessary. Opening a file can change its metadata, which is a form of evidence. Make copies to work from.
5. Gather it yourself
Where possible, gather the evidence yourself so you can confirm it has not been altered. If someone else gathered it, note who they are and when they collected it.
6. Bring it to meetings
Bring your evidence file to any meetings with lawyers, regulators, or support services.
PART 8: Image misuse and family violence
If the image misuse is connected to family violence, including intimate partner violence, family member abuse, or coercive control, additional legal protections are available to you.
Contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) first if you are in immediate danger or unsure where to start. They are available 24/7.
1. You can apply for a protection order
Protection orders prevent further contact or communication.
NOTE: Protection orders have different names depending on which state or territory you live in, and you can find the right name for your location on the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia website.
2. You can report the image misuse to police as part of a family violence investigation
If there is an ongoing family violence investigation, reporting the image misuse may lead to a crinimal investigation or prosecution of the perpetrator. Court orders could also require the removal of the image.
3. In some states, you can apply for financial assistance as a victim of violent crime
In some states, financial assistance is available for victims of crime. Contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) to discuss your options.
Key takeaways
Act quickly
Removal within 24-48 hours is usually possible.
Know your options
There are multiple remedies. Platform removal, eSafety Commissioner, and other legal options are available if required.
Recognise connections
Image misuse is often related to other areas of law (family violence, criminal law, discrimination).
Document everything
Evidence will support your report and any legal action you may take.
Get support
Emotional support and legal advice are both important when facing image misuse.
Key contacts
- eSafety Commissioner: esafety.gov.au — Online safety complaints and image-based abuse removal
- OAIC: 1300 363 992 | oaic.gov.au — Privacy complaints and investigations
- ReportCyber: cyber.gov.au — Report cybercrime and harassment online
- 1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732 | 1800respect.org.au — Family violence and sexual assault support (24/7)
- WIRE: wire.org.au — Women’s Information and Referral Exchange
- Justice Connect: justiceconnect.org.au — Free legal advice for eligible Australians
Justice Connect is grateful to Telstra for their generous support to create this resource. Learn more about Telstra’s work building Australians’ digital skills and confidence so they can take part in the online world.
This resource was last updated on 18 May 2026. This is legal information only and does not constitute legal advice. You should always contact a lawyer for advice specific to your situation. Please view our disclaimer for more information.
More self-help resources
Do you need legal help?
You might be eligible for free legal help from our lawyers. Making an online application is the quickest and best way to apply for free legal help.
