If someone has shared an intimate image of you without consent, contact An Garda Síochána directly if anyone is in immediate danger; call 112 or 999 in an emergency. To seek help getting the image removed, report it to Hotline.ie. If you want a criminal investigation, contact a local Garda station. These routes can be used together. Save relevant evidence if it is safe to do so, but do not delay getting help or put yourself at risk to collect it.
What to do first
- Check immediate safety. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, contact An Garda Síochána directly. Call 112 or 999 for an emergency. If threats, stalking, coercion, or domestic abuse are involved, treat them as safety concerns as well as a content-removal problem.
- Report the image to Hotline.ie if you want help seeking removal. Hotline.ie can advise on reporting and evidence, and may contact the online service provider on your behalf. It cannot guarantee removal.
- Contact a local Garda station if you want the matter investigated. You can report the sharing and ask to make a complaint. Hotline.ie and Gardaí have different roles, and contacting one does not prevent you from contacting the other.
- Preserve information only when it is safe. For an adult case, record the post’s URL, platform, account or sender name, date and time, relevant messages, and the sequence of events. Keep screenshots or copies where possible and store them securely. Content can disappear, so act promptly, but personal safety comes first.
- Do not forward or recirculate the image. This is especially important if anyone depicted is under 18. Use the appropriate reporting route instead.
You do not need to decide between removal support and a Garda report before taking the first step. Think of the routes as complementary: Hotline.ie can assist with seeking removal and explain reporting information, while An Garda Síochána receives criminal complaints and can investigate. If you are unsure what to do, you can report to Hotline.ie for guidance about the service, and contact Gardaí if you want an investigation or there is an immediate safety issue.
Who can help, and what each route does
| Route | Main purpose | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Hotline.ie | Help seeking removal and guidance on reporting | It can approach an online service provider, advise about gathering information, and in some cases help liaise with Gardaí if you want the case investigated. It does not conduct a criminal investigation, guarantee removal, provide legal advice, or offer counselling or specialist emotional support. |
| An Garda Síochána | Receive a criminal complaint and investigate | You can contact a local Garda station. Gardaí may investigate and secure evidence for possible proceedings. For an adult complaint, the reporting Garda may ask for a written account of what was shared, how, where, and when, and confirmation that it was shared without consent. Gardaí may need access to an electronic device to secure evidence and metadata. |
Hotline.ie’s intimate-image-abuse service is for victims residing in the Republic of Ireland. Its FAQ says it can accept a report if the person depicted lives in Ireland, the person responsible lives in Ireland, both live in Ireland, or the content is hosted in Ireland. Its role is removal support and reporting information; a Garda report is the route for seeking a criminal investigation.
Hotline.ie may contact the online service provider on your behalf, but it cannot promise that a provider will remove the image or that every copy will be found. The service can also give information about gathering relevant details. In some cases, if you wish the matter to be investigated, it may help liaise with Gardaí. That is different from conducting an investigation itself: Hotline.ie is not a substitute for making a criminal complaint to Gardaí.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
When making an adult report to Gardaí, be prepared to explain what the content is and how, where, and when it was shared. A reporting Garda may ask you to make a written complaint confirming that the image was shared without your consent. Gardaí may need access to an electronic device to secure evidence and metadata. The exact process and evidence needed depend on the circumstances; do not assume that you must have a complete evidence file before contacting them.
How to preserve evidence safely
For adults, useful records can include the material’s URL, platform and account details, the date and time you found it, screenshots or copies if safe, and related messages, emails, or voicemail. Note the order of events and keep brief factual notes alongside screenshots. These records may help with a platform report, a Garda investigation, or court proceedings.
- Store records somewhere secure and limit access to people you trust.
- Do not put yourself in danger to retrieve a device, confront the person, or keep a post available.
- If the person who shared the image has access to your devices or accounts, consider whether preserving information there could increase risk.
- If you are dealing with domestic abuse, consider a safety plan before trying to get content removed. Hotline.ie advises that safety comes first; a change in the abuser’s access to the content may affect risk.
A useful record is more than an image of the post. If you can do so safely, note the platform where it appeared, the post URL, the account or sender name, and when you saw it. Keep a factual sequence of events, including relevant messages or emails and any threats. Screenshots or copies can be useful, but do not let collecting them delay a report or expose you to further risk. Act promptly where possible because online content can be removed or changed.
Keep records somewhere secure, and consider who can access the device or account where you store them. If collecting or keeping evidence could alert the person, put you in danger, or mean handling a sexualised image of someone under 18, do not proceed with ordinary adult evidence-gathering steps. Your safety takes priority. Hotline.ie and Gardaí can advise through their respective reporting routes.
If you originally took or sent the image
Sending an intimate image to one person does not mean you consented to them sharing it with others. Hotline.ie states that sharing an image with someone does not give that person consent to distribute it further. You can still report non-consensual onward sharing to Hotline.ie and, if you want an investigation, to An Garda Síochána.
Rank #2
- Ultra-speedy streaming: Roku Ultra is 30% faster than any other Roku player, delivering a lightning-fast interface and apps that launch in a snap.
- Cinematic streaming: This TV streaming device brings the movie theater to your living room with spectacular 4K, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision picture alongside immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
- The ultimate Roku remote: The rechargeable Roku Voice Remote Pro offers backlit buttons, hands-free voice controls, and a lost remote finder.
- No more fumbling in the dark: See what you’re pressing with backlit buttons.
- Say goodbye to batteries: Keep your remote powered for months on a single charge.
This remains true even if you willingly created the image or sent it privately. Consent to share with one person is not consent to publish, distribute, or forward it to other people. If you are worried you will be blamed because you originally sent the image, that fact alone does not mean you agreed to onward sharing. You can ask Hotline.ie for removal support and contact Gardaí about a possible investigation.
If the person depicted is under 18
Do not apply adult evidence-gathering advice in a way that means possessing, copying, or forwarding a sexualised image of someone under 18. Hotline.ie warns that sexualised images of people under 18 may constitute a crime to possess, create, or share. Do not circulate the image, even to show it to someone helping you.
A person under 18 can report directly or with help from a parent, guardian, or trusted adult. Use Hotline.ie’s reporting forms for suspected child sexual abuse material, and seek Garda assistance where appropriate. If there is immediate danger, contact Gardaí directly.
The reporting route matters: do not forward an image to a friend, family member, or support person as a way to prove what happened. Do not use adult guidance about saving a copy if that would mean keeping or copying a sexualised image of a minor. Use Hotline.ie’s forms for suspected child sexual abuse material and involve a parent, guardian, or trusted adult if that helps the young person report. Gardaí can also be contacted, particularly where there is danger or a need for police assistance.
If someone is threatening or coercing you
Threats to publish intimate images, demands for money, or pressure to send more images can be frightening. Garda guidance advises people facing sextortion to save evidence, report to Gardaí and Hotline.ie, and block the person targeting them. If blocking or attempting removal could escalate a threat or domestic-abuse situation, consider safety first and get support before taking an action that could alert the person.
Rank #3
- 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
Detective Superintendent Ian Lackey of the Garda National Protective Services Bureau said: “We recognise that there are victims of sextortion that may not necessarily realise that what they are experiencing is very serious, criminal and can be subject to prosecution.” A threat can be serious even if the image has not yet been posted.
Do not panic or pay under pressure. Preserve relevant messages or other evidence if you can do so safely, and report to Gardaí and Hotline.ie. Blocking may be part of the response, but it is not a one-size-fits-all instruction: if it could increase danger or escalate a domestic-abuse situation, consider a safety plan before acting. A threatened disclosure is still worth reporting; you do not have to wait for an image to appear online before seeking help.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
What Irish law says
The Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020, commonly known as Coco’s Law, criminalises sharing or threatening to share intimate images without consent. The Department of Justice says this includes an image purporting to be of a person, such as a deepfake. It describes penalties of up to seven years’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
Garda guidance describes offences involving distribution, publication, or threats made with intent to cause harm or recklessness as to harm. It also describes offences for recording, distributing, or publishing without consent where statutory effects—such as serious interference with a person’s peace and privacy, or alarm, distress, or harm—are present. Which offence may apply, and what follows, depends on the facts and evidence; reporting does not guarantee a particular charge, sentence, or outcome. Hotline.ie does not provide legal advice. For advice on your individual circumstances, consult a solicitor or an appropriate specialist support organisation.
The law can cover a threat as well as an image that has already been published, and the Department of Justice says an image that purports to show a person, including a deepfake, is included. But the precise offence and any outcome depend on the circumstances and evidence. Do not rely on a general description to predict what charge will be brought or what a court will decide. For advice about your own situation, speak with a solicitor or an appropriate specialist support organisation.
Rank #4
- Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- Seamless streaming for any room: With Roku Streaming Stick 4K, watch your favorite entertainment on any TV in the house, even in rooms farther from your router thanks to the long-range Wi-Fi receiver.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight
How common is non-consensual image sharing?
Hotline.ie’s FAQ reports that independent research commissioned by the Department of Justice found that one in twenty surveyed adults had experienced an intimate image being shared without consent; among adults aged 18–37, the reported figure was approximately one in ten. The findings were reported in April 2021. The FAQ does not state the sample size or methodology, so these figures should be read as the reported survey results rather than a complete measure of prevalence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Someone has shared an intimate image of me without my consent. What should I do first?
If anyone is in immediate danger, contact An Garda Síochána directly; call 112 or 999 in an emergency. Report to Hotline.ie if you want help seeking removal, and contact a local Garda station if you want a criminal investigation. Preserve evidence only if it is safe to do so, and do not circulate the image.
Can I report it if I sent the image to the person first?
Yes. Sending an image to one person does not mean you consented to them sharing it with others. Hotline.ie says that sharing an image with someone does not give that person consent to distribute it further.
How do I get the image taken down?
Report it to Hotline.ie, which can approach the online service provider on your behalf and provide reporting and evidence-gathering information. It cannot guarantee removal or ensure every copy is taken down. If you want a criminal investigation, contact Gardaí as well.
Should I go to the Gardaí?
If you want the matter investigated, you can contact a local Garda station. Gardaí may investigate and secure evidence for possible proceedings. In an emergency or immediate danger, contact Gardaí directly; call 112 or 999.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Best Value
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
What information should I save?
For an adult case, if safe, record the URL, platform, account or sender name, date and time, related messages, emails or voicemail, and the sequence of events. Screenshots or copies may help, but store records securely and do not put safety ahead of evidence collection.
What if the person in the image is under 18?
Do not copy, possess, or forward a sexualised image of someone under 18 to show another person. Hotline.ie says such images may constitute a crime to possess, create, or share. A young person can report directly or with help from a parent, guardian, or trusted adult; use Hotline.ie’s reporting forms for suspected child sexual abuse material and seek Garda assistance where appropriate.
What if someone is threatening to publish an image or demanding money?
Garda guidance advises saving evidence if safe, reporting to Gardaí and Hotline.ie, and blocking the person targeting you. If blocking or a takedown attempt could escalate a threat or domestic-abuse situation, consider safety and a safety plan first. You can seek help before an image is posted.
Will Hotline.ie guarantee that the image is removed?
No. Hotline.ie can contact a provider to request removal and offer guidance, but it says it cannot guarantee that every image will be removed. It does not conduct a criminal investigation or provide legal advice or counselling.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →The Bottom Line
If you are in immediate danger, call 112 or 999. Otherwise, contact Hotline.ie for help seeking removal and a local Garda station if you want an investigation; you can use both routes. Preserve adult-case evidence only when it is safe, never circulate an image of someone under 18, and remember that sending an image privately is not consent to share it further.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
