Instagram’s entire platform revolved around sharing photos and videos. Their logo is a camera, after all. 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 in cases where no intimate content was shared. As a result, all users need to be aware of the risks 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 created with fabricated details and stolen images. A more technically-savvy sextortionist may even compromise the account of a trusted individual. Regardless, they often begin buttering you up by using 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 this possible without having to switch platforms. The sextortionist may even send a fake or stolen image to initiate the swap.
Once the victim agrees to send an intimate photo, the curtain is pulled back and the perpetrator’s true intentions become clear. They begin threatening to expose your nudes unless you pay them. They may send you a screenshot with a drafted message containing your content ready to be sent to a group chat with 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 sextortion on the platform and receive help and support from dedicated resources. Furthermore, they are currently testing new features to be implemented that will expedite this process.
Tools to Prevent NCII Abuse
- 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 helps remove intimate images of minors and prevent their resharing, and it can be accessed through Instagram’s platform.
- org: Similar to Take It Down, StopNCII.org is a tool for adult users 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 to roll out features that blur nude content in direct messages and warn recipients prior to opening. Additionally, users will be warned 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, minor accounts will not be reachable by flagged accounts.
How to Report Instagram Sextortion: Who Should Victims Inform?
Victims of Instagram sextortion need to act quickly to 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, creating a safer environment for all users.
Reporting Options on the Platform
Instagram provides an avenue for users to report profiles and shared content 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 sextortionist 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 FBI 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. Having to collect evidence, maintain the chain of custody, and produce the findings in accordance with regulations 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 and prove their guilt.
Reputable investigation firms will document their entire process, which ensures that the chain of custody is preserved. Your report can then be used 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, but 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 much the same. Avoid revealing personal information to limit your potential exposure on the platform.
- 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, but the presence of sextortionists on the platform requires a zero-trust approach.
