Online Safety: Protecting Yourself from Harassment, Blackmail, and Illegal Activities

Understanding Online Harassment

Online harassment encompasses a range of behaviors, including threatening messages, abusive comments, cyberstalking, doxing (publishing private information), and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images.

What to do if you are harassed:

• Document Everything: Take screenshots, save messages, emails, and any other relevant digital evidence. Note dates, times, and platforms. This documentation is vital for reporting.
• Do Not Engage: Avoid responding to or interacting with the harasser. This can escalate the situation and provide them with more information.
• Block and Report: Utilize the blocking and reporting features available on social media platforms, messaging apps, and websites. Report the behavior to the platform administrators.
• Review Privacy Settings: Lock down your social media accounts and other online profiles. Limit who can see your posts, personal information, and location.
• Inform Trusted Individuals: Share your experience with friends, family, or colleagues who can offer support and help you navigate the situation.
• Contact Law Enforcement: If the harassment escalates to threats of violence, stalking, or any form of illegal activity, contact your local law enforcement.

Online Blackmail (Sextortion)

Online blackmail, often called sextortion, involves a perpetrator threatening to expose sensitive or intimate photos/videos unless you pay money or provide additional images/services. This is a serious crime.

What to do if you are blackmailed:

• Do NOT Pay: Paying the blackmailer rarely solves the problem and often encourages further demands.
• Do NOT Send More Content: Never send additional images or videos, even if threatened.
• Block All Contact: Immediately cease all communication with the blackmailer on all platforms (social media, email, messaging apps).
• Preserve Evidence: Take screenshots of all messages, demands, and any identifying information about the blackmailer.
• Report Immediately: Contact law enforcement. The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) is a key resource.
• Seek Support: Reach out to trusted friends, family, or a victim support organization. You are not alone.

Illegal Online Activities

Various online activities are illegal and can have severe consequences for perpetrators and victims alike. These include, but are not limited to:

• Cyberstalking and Cyberharassment: Using the internet to severely harass or stalk someone.
• Online Threats: Making threats across state lines or via electronic communication.
• Computer Hacking: Unauthorized access to computer systems or networks (Computer Fraud and Abuse Act - CFAA).
• Identity Theft: Misusing another person's identifying information (Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act).
• Distribution of Non-Consensual Intimate Imagery: Often referred to as "revenge porn." Many states have laws against this.
• Child Exploitation Material: Production, distribution, or possession of child sexual abuse material is a severe federal crime.
• Online Fraud and Scams: Deceptive practices to gain money or personal information (e.g., phishing, romance scams, investment fraud).

Relevant Federal Laws:

• 18 U.S.C. § 2261A: Prohibits using the internet to severely harass or stalk someone.
• 18 U.S.C. § 875: Prohibits making threats across state lines.
• 18 U.S.C. § 1030 (Computer Fraud and Abuse Act - CFAA): Prohibits computer hacking.
• 18 U.S.C. § 1028 (Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act): Prohibits identity theft.
• Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA): Can be used to demand removal of copyrighted images used without consent (e.g., non-consensual intimate images).

Authority Phone Numbers & Reporting Agencies (U.S.)

General Tips and Advice for Online Protection

• Strong, Unique Passwords: Use complex, unique passwords for every online account. Consider a password manager.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Wherever possible, enable 2FA for an extra layer of security.
• Be Mindful of What You Share: The less personal information you share publicly online (home address, phone number, work details, daily routines), the less material a harasser has to use against you.
• Regularly Review Privacy Settings: Periodically check and update privacy settings on all social media platforms, apps, and accounts.
• Separate Accounts: Consider having separate personal and professional social media accounts to manage your online presence more effectively.
• Monitor Your Digital Footprint: Occasionally search for your own name online to see what information is publicly available about you. Take steps to remove or modify any sensitive data.
• Be Cautious with Unknown Contacts: Do not accept friend requests or engage with strangers online. Be wary of unsolicited messages or emails.
• Think Before You Click: Be cautious of suspicious links, attachments, or pop-ups, as they can be phishing attempts or malware.
• Use Security Software: Keep your operating system, browser, and antivirus software up to date.
• Back Up Important Data: Regularly back up your important files and photos.
• Trust Your Gut: If something feels off or too good to be true online, it probably is.