Cyberflashing is when someone sends or shows you a photo of genitals when you do not want them to. It can happen online or in person.

It does not matter if the photo shows real genitals, or if the photo is digitally made or edited (a deepfake ).

Examples of cyberflashing

Cyberflashing can include pictures or videos shown:

• over social media
• over a dating app
• by Bluetooth or airdrop
• in person on a mobile phone or other device
• by post
• by leaving it somewhere you’ll see

You can report cyberflashing to us if you’re in Scotland. If you want to find out more, read Police UK’s definition and examples of cyberflashing.

If you want to tell us about cyberflashing, you can report it online, by phone, or in person.

Report it using our online form

Learn about other ways you can report a crime to us

If someone cyberflashes you, you should:

• report it to the social media or website it was shared on
• save or screenshot photos and messages (to give to us when you report it)
• not share intimate photos of someone else
• block the sender

If you report it to us, it can help if you record:

• what was said or sent
• what platform, website, or app it was on
• when it was sent or posted
• the sender's name or username (if known)

Protecting yourself

Read advice from The Cyber Helpline on steps you can take to reduce the risk of cyberflashing.

Protecting young people as a parent or support worker

Read advice from the UK Safer Internet Centre on how you can help protect young people from cyberflashing.