Unsolicited nudes are nude or intimate images sent without the recipient’s consent and can be very distressing for the recipient. While sharing intimate pictures can be a normal part of modern dating, we encourage you to 'think before you nude'.
Last Updated30/07/2024
Receiving an unwanted nude image, often referred to as an unsolicited 'dick pic', can be distressing. Such images can be sent via messaging applications such as WhatsApp, Messenger, Snapchat, or Instagram, and can even appear through direct methods like Airdrop, Nearby Share, or email.
Unsolicited intimate images might be sent directly by the individual or through blackmailing scams, often without the person in the image being aware. This is a form of image-based abuse(/online-abuse-and-harassment/image-based-abuse).
If you've received an unsolicited nude, fallen victim to a scam, or need some advice about another online issue, Netsafe is here to support you.
Our helpline is free, confidential and non-judgmental - providing expert advice and assistance seven days a week.
(https://report.netsafe.org.nz/hc/en-au/requests/new)Email [email protected] 
(mailto:[email protected])Text 'Netsafe' to 4282 
(sms:4282?body=Netsafe)Call 0508 638 723 8am-8pm weekdays, 9am-5pm weekends 
(tel:0508638723)New Zealanders overseas can call +64 9 666 0840 (tel:+6496660840)If you’re considering sending a nude to someone, always check that they want to receive it. If someone previously consented but now doesn’t want to receive them, respect their decision and stop sending such images.
Ignoring their wishes and continuing to send nudes constitutes harassment.
Reasons why people might send unsolicited nudes include:
If you’re an adult and you send an unsolicited nude to another adult it is not necessarily against the law if it’s an isolated incident. However, sending multiple unsolicited nudes can be considered harassment under the Harmful Digital Communications Act.(/our-work/helpline-services/the-harmful-digital-communications-act)
It is illegal for adults to send unsolicited nudes to minors or expose them to other sexual content under the Crimes Act, which could result in imprisonment.
Young people affected by this can contact Netsafe for help or speak to a trusted adult.
Receiving an unsolicited nude can be very upsetting.
Here are some steps you can take:
It may be tempting to share unsolicited nudes to ‘out’ or ‘shame’ the sender. However, in New Zealand, it is illegal to share someone else’s nude or nearly nude images without their consent, regardless of how you received them. This is considered image-based abuse(/online-abuse-and-harassment/image-based-abuse) and is against the law. If you’re a victim of image-based abuse, please contact Netsafe for help and advice.
If someone is harassing you by sending unsolicited nudes you can contact Netsafe.
If you're young and receiving such images we recommend you talk to a trusted adult like a parent, older sibling, teacher or the Police.
(https://report.netsafe.org.nz/hc/en-au/requests/new)Email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])Text 'Netsafe' to 4282 (sms:4282?body=Netsafe)Call 0508 638 723 8am-8pm weekdays, 9am-5pm weekends (tel:0508638723)New Zealanders overseas can call +64 9 666 0840 (tel:+6496660840)Receiving unsolicited nudes can be distressing. If you need further support to help you deal with this, contact one of the following free support services.
Image-based abuse (sometimes called sextortion or revenge porn) is the name for the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. This includes intimate images that have been digitally altered like 'deep fakes'.
Find out more about image-based abuse and support that's available for you.
