Digital Safety & Privacy
In the digital age, abuse often extends to screens. Protecting your online presence is a critical part of your physical and emotional safety.
Securing your accounts
Passwords
Change passwords for email, social media, and banking. Use a password manager and unique, complex strings.
2FA
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on all critical accounts, preferably using an app rather than SMS.
Logged Devices
Check "Active Sessions" in settings and log out of all devices you don't currently have in your hands.
Location
Turn off location sharing on your phone and within apps like Google Maps, Snapchat, or Find My Friends.
Documenting online abuse
If you are being harassed or threatened online, documentation is key for any future legal action.
- Screenshots: Capture everything, including dates, times, and full URLs or profile names.
- Don't Delete: Even if it's painful, keep the original messages. You can move them to a hidden folder or give them to a trusted friend.
- Metadata: If possible, save the original emails or files, as they contain technical data that proves their origin.
Non-consensual sharing
If someone is threatening to share or has shared intimate images of you without consent:
- StopNCII.org: Use this tool to proactively prevent your images from being shared on major platforms.
- Report to Platforms: Use the reporting tools on Facebook, Instagram, X, and Google to have content removed.
- Legal Advice: This is a crime in many jurisdictions. Consult a lawyer or a specialized NGO.
Your digital space is yours
You have the right to block, mute, and disconnect. Taking control of your digital life is a powerful step in reclaiming your boundaries.