A cybercrime expert has revealed that victims of leaked intimate images can now stop their photos and videos from spreading across some of the world’s biggest online platforms using a free tool that takes only minutes to activate.
The disclosure was made during a discussion on Arise News, where experts highlighted growing concerns over the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, a cybercrime that continues to affect millions of people globally.
Renata Delgado-Schenk, a Cybercrime Policy Expert with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), described the unauthorized sharing of intimate images as one of the world’s most widespread cybercrimes.
According to her, many victims remain unaware that technology already exists to help prevent further distribution of such content online.
Get access to the tool – StopNCII
How the Tool Works
Delgado-Schenk explained that the platform, known as StopNCII, allows victims to create a digital fingerprint of an image or video without uploading the actual file.
The system converts the content into a unique code known as a hash value, which is then shared with participating technology companies.
If someone attempts to upload matching content, the platforms can automatically detect, block, or remove it.
“It takes one second to transform the image into a hash value and about one minute to complete the report,” she said.
Importantly, users do not have to submit their names, photos, or videos to access the service.
Meta, Reddit, X and Other Major Platforms Participating
The initiative currently works with 22 major technology and content-sharing platforms.
According to Delgado-Schenk, participating companies include Meta-owned platforms, X, Reddit, OnlyFans, Pornhub, and other major digital services where intimate content is commonly shared.
The companies have agreed to use the digital fingerprints to prevent further uploads and remove content where possible.
The system was designed to help victims regain control of intimate material that may have been shared without their consent.
Experts Warn Cybercrime Is Becoming More Sophisticated
The discussion also highlighted the growing threat posed by artificial intelligence.
Delgado-Schenk warned that AI tools can now be used to generate fake explicit images using photographs of real people, creating new challenges for victims and law enforcement agencies.
She stressed that whether an image is real or artificially generated, the emotional and reputational damage experienced by victims remains significant.
Awareness Remains Alarmingly Low
Speaking during the programme, Juliet Ohahuru-Obiora, Executive Director of the Action Against Child Sexual Abuse Initiative, said awareness remains one of the biggest obstacles in addressing the problem.
She noted that many internet users unknowingly contribute to the spread of intimate content by sharing links, forwarding materials, or directing others to channels where such images can be viewed.
According to her, the issue should be understood not merely as online gossip but as a violation of privacy and consent with serious consequences for victims.
Calls for Stronger Accountability
The experts also pointed to growing international efforts to combat the crime.
Delgado-Schenk referenced the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime, adopted in 2024, which includes provisions criminalizing the non-consensual sharing of intimate images.
She added that governments and technology companies are increasingly being pressured to strengthen safeguards, improve reporting systems, and remove harmful content more quickly.
As online abuse continues to evolve, experts say wider awareness of available protections could play a critical role in helping victims protect themselves and limit the spread of harmful material online.
