Could someone be using your photos without you knowing?
Have you ever posted a picture online and not thought twice about it?
Do you know who can see your photos – and what they could do with them?
Let’s talk about something important that’s becoming more common online.
Deepfakes are pictures or videos that are changed using technology to make them look real — even when they’re not.
Sometimes, people use this technology in harmful ways. For example:
Even though the image is fake, it can look very real. That’s what makes it so upsetting.
Yes. And it’s happening more often.
Young people are using apps to create fake sexual images of others, including classmates. These images are sometimes shared in group chats or online.
You might hear people say:
But it does matter.
Deepfakes don’t need private or personal photos.
People can use:
This means anyone can be targeted, even if they’ve never shared anything private.
Sometimes this happens as a “joke” or “prank”. But it can quickly become something much more serious.
If someone makes or shares a deepfake of you, it is not your fault.
Even if the person is someone you know.
Even if they say it was a joke.
You have the right to feel safe.
You might be asked to:
Even if it feels like pressure or a joke, creating or sharing these kinds of images can hurt someone and may be against the law.
It’s okay to say no.
It’s okay to step away.
If something like this happens, you don’t have to deal with it on your own.
You can:
It might feel scary to speak up, but getting support can really help.
You can’t fully stop someone from misusing images, but you can take steps to reduce risk.
Think about what you’re posting online:
Most importantly, if something doesn’t feel right, trust that feeling.
If something has happened, or you’re worried about yourself or a friend, you can talk to someone.
You don’t need to have the right words.