What is blackmail?

If you've clicked on this article you may be wondering 'What is online blackmail'? Online blackmail, also known as cyber blackmail, can include threats or coercion made through social media platforms such as Facebook or Whatsapp. One of the most common forms of online blackmail is sextortion, where someone threatens to reveal intimate photos or videos of you online (also called intimate image abuse).

What can I do if someone is blackmailing me online?

If this sounds like something you are experiencing, you may be wondering 'what can I do if someone is blackmailing me online'? If someone is blackmailing you online there are things you can do to prevent or stop it. Blackmail is not tolerated on social networking sites and can be reported directly to these platforms.

If you are the victim of sextortion you can also get help from the Revenge Porn Helpline.

How can I report blackmail online?

Finally, you might also be asking yourself questions such as: Is it a crime to threaten someone online? And can I report online blackmail to the police? Online blackmail, including sextortion, is considered criminal and is against the law. You should report online blackmail to the police on 101.

Find out how to report blackmail to commonly used social networking sites below: