Instagram’s entire platform revolves around sharing photos and videos. After all, their logo is a camera. As with many platforms where exchanging media is possible, sextortion has become a growing problem on Instagram. The evolution of generative AI and deepfake technology has made sextortion possible without obtaining intimate images. As a result, all users need to be aware of Instagram sextortion and how to report it.
How Sextortion Occurs on Instagram
The scam typically kicks off with the perpetrator contacting you through a fake account. Extortionists use fabricated details and stolen images to create the facade of the perfect partner. A more tech-savvy blackmailer may even compromise the account of a trusted individual. Regardless, they’ll use the information they’ve learned from your profile to appeal to your interests.
Things quickly become steamy as the perpetrator begins aggressively flirting before proposing the idea of exchanging nudes. Instagram allows users to share images both publicly and in private DMs, making sexting possible within the platform. The sextortionist may even send a fake or stolen image to initiate the swap.
Once the victim agrees, the curtain pulls back, and the perpetrator’s true intentions become clear. They begin threatening to expose your nudes unless you pay them. They may send you screenshots of group chats containing all of your followers. What’s more, they may opt to post your content publicly.
How Does Instagram Help Sextortion Victims?
Instagram has tools in place to allow victims to report extortion of any kind on the platform. Its Safety Center provides links for victims to receive help and support from dedicated resources. Furthermore, they are currently testing new features that will expedite this process. Features that are currently in place or coming soon can be found below.
Tools to Prevent Intimate Image Blackmail
- Take It Down Tool. Meta was one of the founding members of Take It Down, a tool run by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The tool removes intimate images of minors and prevents their resharing, and it’s accessible through Instagram’s platform.
- StopNCII. Similar to Take It Down, StopNCII.org is a tool for adults who have had their nudes shared non-consensually. Likewise, Instagram provides an avenue for users to access this tool within the platform.
- Lantern. Instagram is a participant in the Lantern program, an initiative to connect technology companies and allow them to share intel on sextortionists across platforms. This is integral since many perpetrators operate through numerous accounts on multiple online networks.
- Blurred Content and Warnings. Instagram is preparing features that will blur nude content in direct messages and warn recipients prior to opening. Additionally, users will receive a warning before sending explicit content. These features will be automatically enabled for minors, and adults will be prompted to enable them.
- Sextortion Account Detection. Instagram is also developing technology that recognizes accounts that are participating in sextortion-related activities. Direct Messages from these accounts will be sent straight to the recipients hidden requests folder. Furthermore, profiles belonging to minors will not be reachable by flagged accounts.
How to Report Instagram Sextortion: Who Should Victims Inform?
Victims of intimate image blackmail on Instagram need to quickly notify the proper authorities of the offense. This helps mitigate the damage and connects the victim with resources who can help them take action. Furthermore, it allows law enforcement and social media providers to gain insight into the latest cybercrime trends. This creates a safer environment for all users.
Reporting Options on the Platform
Instagram provides an avenue for users to report profiles and shared content involved in extortion on the platform. The reporting process varies slightly for each, so we will cover the processes below:
- Reporting an Account:
- Open the profile you wish to report.
- Click the three dots next to their username.
- Select the ‘Report’ option.
- Follow the on-screen instructions and submit your report.
- Reporting a Post:
- Open the post containing your intimate photos.
- Click the three dots above the post.
- Select the ‘Report’ option.
- Follow the on-screen instructions and submit your report.
- Reporting a Direct Message:
- Open the chat and hover over the message you’d like to report.
- Click the three dots next to the message.
- Select the ‘Report’ option and choose the reason which best fits your situation.
- Follow the on-screen instructions and submit your report.
Reporting to Law Enforcement
- Local Police. As with any cybercrime, you should begin notifying the authorities by filing a report with your local police precinct. They may be able to help if your blackmailer is within close proximity to you. If not, you’ve successfully ruled out a local threat and have valuable documentation of the crime committed against you.
- National Agency. Your next step should be to inform your national law enforcement agency. In the United States, the FBI is responsible for fielding reports of cybercrime. You can file a report at your local field office or online through their Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
How Professional Investigators Can Help
Dealing with the emotional toll of Instagram sextortion is exhausting enough on its own. Victims have to collect evidence, maintain the chain of custody, and produce the findings in accordance with regulations. This is a tall task for one individual to handle — if at all possible.
This is where professional digital investigators can be a huge asset. These experts can investigate your case, using advanced techniques like IP-tracing and metadata analysis to uncover the culprit.
Reputable investigation firms will document their entire process, which preserves the chain of custody. You can use your report to build your case and serve as evidence in future legal proceedings.
Staying Safe Moving Forward: How to Protect Yourself Online
Unfortunately, the threat of Instagram sextortion is never a zero-risk. As new safety features are implemented, creative cybercriminals will find a way to work around them. This doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the platform and feel secure in your interactions. Be mindful of these suggested practices to increase your safety and enjoyment on Instagram:
- Increase Your Privacy Settings. Set your profile to private, limit who can reach you through DMs, and heavily vet your followers. We understand that a high follower count can feel like a symbol of social status. However, it’s not worth the risk for accounts that aren’t run for business.
- Use Strong Passwords. Use unique passwords that use a combination of cases, numbers, and special characters and update them regularly. You should also enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on Instagram and any online platforms that provide the option.
- Avoid Oversharing. Instagram is like a window into your life. You wouldn’t leave the curtains drawn and the window open for anyone to enter your home. Instagram is very much the same. Avoid revealing personal information to limit your potential exposure to extortion.
- Trust Your Gut. If something feels off about an interaction online, listen to your instincts and end the conversation. It is possible that the person on the other end could be harmless. Unfortunately, the presence of sextortionists on the platform requires a zero-trust approach.
