To the left of the Post button, you’ll see a box that shows who will be able to see the content. Click the box to choose an audience from a drop-down menu—the most common are Only Me, Friends, and Public (which includes anyone on or off Facebook). Change to Friends or create a custom list so that only people you trust can see your posts. Read more.

Make your profile private so that followers have to be accepted by you before they can see your page. Tap on your profile picture in the bottom right to go to your profile. Tap on the top right, then Settings > Privacy > Account Privacy > Next > Private Account to make your account private.

You can also hide when you’ve last been active by going to Privacy Settings > Activity Status and turning it off.

To ensure nobody is following you that you don’t recognise (or don’t want), go through your list of followers and remove anyone who looks suspicious. Read more.

By default, only friends you’ve added on Snapchat can contact you directly or view your Story, but you can adjust your settings to make your account more private.

Go to your profile > Settings > Who Can… and tap an option.

Here you’ll be able to choose who can send you notifications, who can view your Story and who can see your location (this one is especially important – turn off your location for anyone you do not trust). Choose an option, then tap the back button to save your choice. Read more.

You can control who can view, Duet, Stitch, comment on and download your videos on TikTok. You can also block people and choose who can message you. Read more.

Image-based sexual abuse is when someone shares or posts explicit videos or images of a person without their consent. This could be material which was initially shared consensually through sexting, created together or taken in secret without the knowledge of the person in the photos or videos.

Image based sexual abuse is now a crime in Ireland and you can report it to An Garda Síochána.

Make a report to Intimate Image Abuse at www.hotline.ie.

Notify the platform or website immediately by selecting the Report option when clicking the content. If asked for a reason, you can state that this material was uploaded without your consent. Detailed instructions on reporting and removing posts on different social media sites can be found here.

If you know the person who uploaded the material, you can try contacting them to ask them to take it down.

Take a screenshot of what was uploaded and take note of the URLs so that you have a record of what has happened.

If images or videos have been uploaded on a pornography website, flag the content and request its removal. Many websites have a specific function for this in the Content Removal section.

If it is explicit material, it is likely it goes against the Community Guidelines of many social media sites such as Instagram and Facebook, and they will take it down immediately.

If you did not consent to the image being shared, this is an offence under the Harassment, Harmful Communications and related Offences Act 2020.

If the material depicts people under 18 years of age it is classed as images of child sexual abuse and the person who posted it has committed a criminal offence. This can be reported to the Gardaí.

If you are being blackmailed, if anyone is seeking money from you, or if you feel harassed, you can go to the Gardaí to make a complaint.

You have a right of access, rectification and erasure in relation to personally sensitive data under the Data Protection Acts 1988-2003, so you are entitled to request the internet site to take it down under Data Protection laws.

If you have experienced this type of abuse and harassment please contact the Teach Tearmainn helpline 1800 91 91 91, 24/7 hours a day, seven days a week or speak to someone at your local Garda Station.

Report immediately to Gardaí if there is any possibility that they may feature minors as this is child abuse imagery.

The Gardaí may wish to preserve it as evidence but if they do not delete the images.

In NO circumstances, irrespective of concerns about exploitation of children, should you share any unsolicited images with any third party for any reason, as you may be implicating yourself in a criminal offence.

* Please note that this is not legal advice. If you need legal advice, please consult a solicitor

Abusers sometimes use spyware on devices to track and intimidate their victims. If your partner seems to know your whereabouts or activities at all times, it could be a sign you’re being spied on.

Spyware is software that can be secretly installed on a person’s device without their consent. Once installed, the abuser can remotely access the device from another computer and monitor various activities such as visited websites, emails, and keystrokes.

It is often difficult to detect spyware on a device. Signs may include the abuser having knowledge of information that would normally be private or the device experiencing unusual slowness or malfunctions.

1. Use Safe Devices: If you suspect your abuser may be monitoring your device, use a computer at a trusted location such as a college or friend’s house.
2. Exercise Caution: Avoid using your phone or laptop to search for information related to relationship abuse or to communicate sensitive messages to friends and family, as this could raise suspicion.
3. Avoid Searching Removal Methods: Refrain from searching for ways to remove spyware, as this could alert the abuser to your suspicions.
4. Do Not Attempt Removal: Avoid attempting to remove the spyware yourself, as this could also alert the abuser and potentially complicate legal proceedings where the spyware could serve as evidence.

• Contact local support services such as domestic violence helplines or advocacy organizations for guidance on how to handle your situation safely.

• This information is provided for guidance only and is not a substitute for professional advice. If you are in immediate danger or require legal advice, seek help from local law enforcement or a qualified legal profession.

If someone gains access to your email account, they can read your incoming and outgoing messages. Here’s how to protect yourself:

Choose a Strong Password:- Select a password that is difficult for someone to guess. Use a combination of letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers, and special characters.

Regularly Change Your Password:- Change your email password periodically to enhance security.

Manage Your Address Book:- Some email programs automatically save addresses of sent and received mails. Review your address book and remove any contacts that may raise suspicions.

Clear Sent Items:- Emails you send are stored in the Sent Items folder. Delete any emails you don’t want others to see.

Check Drafts and Delete Unfinished Emails:- Emails started but not sent may be in your Drafts folder. Delete any drafts that contain sensitive information.

Be Cautious with Replies:- When you reply to an email, the original message is often included. Delete the entire email if you want to ensure the original message is not visible.

Empty Deleted Items Folder:- Deleted emails are moved to the Deleted Items or Trash folder. Delete items from this folder to remove them completely.

Set Up a New Email Account if Necessary:- If there’s a risk that someone knows how to access your current email, consider creating a new account. Use a provider like Gmail for access anywhere, and choose a username that doesn’t reveal your identity. Keep this account confidential.

Save Threatening Emails:- If you receive threatening or harassing emails, print and save them. Despite their distressing nature, they are evidence that may assist in proving criminal offenses.

Seek Support:- Contact local support services or helplines for assistance if you are experiencing abuse or harassment via email.

Note: This advice aims to enhance your email security and privacy. For legal advice or immediate threats, consult local authorities or legal professionals.

Online harassment can take various forms, such as sending hurtful messages, sharing embarrassing content without consent, tagging inappropriately, spreading rumors, or making threats.

1. Reach Out to the Person Being Harassed:
   ○Send them a message expressing concern and asking if they are okay. Offer your support and let them know they are not alone.
2. Report the Harassment:
   ○Use the platform’s reporting feature to report the abusive behavior. Click on ‘Report’ and follow the platform’s guidelines. Platforms can take actions such as issuing warnings, deleting posts or comments, suspending accounts, or permanently removing accounts. Reporting is anonymous, so the harasser won’t know who reported them.
3. Contact Authorities for Serious Threats:
   ○If the harassment involves threats of violence or serious harm, inform the person being threatened immediately. Additionally, report the situation to the local authorities (e.g., Gardaí) for further intervention and protection.
4. Collect Evidence:
   ○Take screenshots of harmful posts, comments, or messages as evidence of the harassment. This documentation can be crucial in proving that harassment occurred.

• Support the Victim: Offer emotional support and encourage them to seek further help from support services or trusted individuals.
• Educate Others: Raise awareness about online harassment and its impact. Encourage respectful online behavior and promote reporting of abusive conduct.
• Stay Safe: While intervening, prioritize your safety and avoid engaging directly with the harasser if it could escalate the situation.

Note: Online platforms have different reporting procedures, so familiarize yourself with how to report on each specific platform. Always prioritize the safety and well-being of the person being harassed and consider seeking advice from professionals or support organizations if needed.