A new study reveals that one in seven adults globally has fallen victim to sextortion, a form of image-based abuse that is being exacerbated by artificial intelligence. The Australian eSafety Commissioner has launched a campaign featuring AI-generated videos to raise awareness, particularly among men.
Alarming Statistics
Research surveying over 16,000 respondents across ten countries found that 14.5% of adults have experienced sextortion, while 4.8% admitted to perpetrating it. In 2025, the eSafety Commissioner received over 3,300 reports, with 86% from males and 42% from young men aged 18 to 24.
What is Sextortion?
Sextortion involves threatening to share nude or sexual images to coerce victims into financial or behavioral compliance. Common demands include ransom, additional intimate images, or unwanted acts. While often linked to cyber criminals, the study found that former or current intimate partners are the most common perpetrators, highlighting its role in abusive relationships.
AI Amplifying the Threat
AI tools like nudify apps and deepfake generators make sextortion easier. Offenders use AI for catfishing, crafting convincing messages, and managing multiple conversations simultaneously. Smart glasses also enable covert recording. Despite technological changes, the harm remains severe, including fear, humiliation, reputational damage, and even suicide.
Platforms and Tactics
The top apps for initial contact by sextortionists include Tinder, Instagram, Grindr, TikTok, and Telegram. Threats are primarily made via WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, iMessage, and Snapchat. The eSafety Commissioner notes that financial sextortion is the most common form, often targeting young men.
Call for Action
Addressing sextortion requires a holistic approach. Technology companies must adopt safety-by-design, with automated detection and swift account action. Education should focus on warning signs like fake profiles and rapid relationship-building, grounded in consent and healthy relationships. Support services, including counseling and legal aid, are crucial for victims.
Australian laws, including the Online Safety Act, prohibit non-consensual sharing and threats to share intimate images, covering deepfakes. The eSafety Commissioner can issue warnings, enforce undertakings, and impose penalties. Combating sextortion demands coordinated efforts from governments, platforms, educators, and support services.
