Sextortion, where someone threatens to share a person’s intimate images unless they pay or send more, is one of the fastest-growing online crimes affecting young people. GISF works to prevent it and supports those targeted.
Offenders often pose as attractive young people on Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook or dating apps. They build trust quickly, persuade the victim to share an intimate image, then threaten to send it to family, friends or school unless they are paid. Boys and young men are increasingly targeted for money, while girls are often pressured for more images. Shame keeps many victims silent, and some feel they have no way out.
Child protection organisations worldwide, including the US National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) and the WeProtect Global Alliance, report a sharp rise in sextortion targeting young people. In Ghana, sexual extortion is a crime under the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038). We work with technology platforms, the Cyber Security Authority and law enforcement to prevent it and to support victims.
Our approach is:
Our Child Online Protection Program provides practical knowledge and skills that help children navigate the internet safely and responsibly.
Sessions for students, universities, parents and teachers on how sextortion works and how to stay safe.
Confidential, non-judgemental guidance and safety planning through the CyberClinic Helpline on 267.
Helping victims report to platforms and use tools such as Take It Down (under 18) and StopNCII.org (18 and over) to stop images being shared.
Referring cases to the Cyber Security Authority and police, and training law enforcement to respond.
Partner with GISF to bring sextortion prevention to your school, university or community, or to support victims.
