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us Sexual violence & highly sensitive situations intimate video call recorded • recorded without consent • video call screen recorded • webcam recording without permission • facetime recorded without consent • zoom call recorded secretly • snapchat video call recorded • discord call recorded • nonconsensual intimate recording • image-based sexual abuse • nonconsensual intimate imagery • revenge porn fear • sextortion webcam blackmail • threat to share intimate video • intimate content posted online • deepfake from video • someone saved my nude video • intimate images misuse • online sexual abuse support • worried they recorded me

What to do if…
you realise an intimate video call may have been recorded without your consent

Short answer

Get to a safer, calmer pause and stop contact with the person who may have recorded it. Then reach confidential specialist support and use reporting/takedown tools to reduce the chance of sharing.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t pay money, gift cards, crypto, or send more images to “fix it” (this often increases demands).
  • Don’t keep negotiating in live messages or calls with the person pressuring you.
  • Don’t delete everything in a panic if you might want help later (keep what you already have, safely).
  • Don’t post about it publicly right now (it can increase spread and stress).
  • Don’t assume you have to handle this alone because it happened online.

What to do now

  1. Create a safer pause. If you feel in immediate danger, call 911. If not, move somewhere you feel steadier and supported (another room, a friend nearby, anywhere you can breathe).
  2. Stop contact and slow it down. End the conversation. Don’t reply to new demands or threats. Block/mute the person where they’re contacting you if that feels safest.
  3. Save what you already have (light-touch). If there are threats, usernames, profiles, payment demands, or links, keep them somewhere safe (for example, screenshots). You do not need to do detailed “forensics” right now.
  4. Get confidential support (even if you’re not sure it was recorded).
    • RAINN (National Sexual Assault Hotline): call 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or use online chat.
    • Cyber Civil Rights Initiative (CCRI) Image Abuse Helpline: call 1-844-878-2274 (available free of charge, 24/7) for help with image-based abuse, sextortion, and takedown strategy.
  5. Report/takedown where it happened. Use the platform/app’s reporting options for harassment, sextortion, or nonconsensual intimate imagery. If anything is posted, report the specific post/account on that site right away.
  6. If you were under 18 at the time, treat it as urgent. You (or a trusted adult) can make a report to NCMEC CyberTipline (child sexual exploitation reporting). You can also use NCMEC Take It Down to help block/remove nude or sexually explicit images/videos involving you from before age 18 (it can be used by under-18s even if they’re outside the U.S.).
  7. If there are threats or extortion, consider reporting to law enforcement. You can contact local police (911 for immediate danger). You can also report to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Safety tip: type ic3.gov directly in your browser to avoid lookalike sites.
  8. If you’re a young person being exploited, you can also contact the FBI directly. You can call 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit a tip at tips.fbi.gov.
  9. Reduce further access right now. Change passwords on your email and accounts linked to the video app, turn on two-factor authentication, and review privacy settings (who can contact you, whether your account is searchable, what gets saved/shared).

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide today whether to press charges or pursue a civil case.
  • You do not need to confront the person or “get an admission” from them right now.
  • You do not need to tell everyone in your life immediately; pick one safe person or hotline first.
  • You do not need to research every state law before you get support.

Important reassurance

It’s common to feel panic, shame, or paralysis after this kind of violation. Someone recording or threatening to share intimate material is responsible for the harm — not you. You deserve support even if you consented to the call but did not consent to recording, or if you’re unsure what was captured.

Scope note

This is first-steps guidance to stabilise, reduce immediate harm, and connect you to specialist support. Later decisions (formal reports, legal options, workplace/school impacts) can be made with help when you’re not in crisis mode.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice. If you are in immediate danger call 911. Laws and processes vary by state. If you were under 18 at the time of the images/video, this may involve child sexual abuse material and urgent specialist support is recommended.

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