Hey, guys! Ever heard of sextortion? It's a type of online sexual violence that's increasingly troubling. Sextortion is gender-based violence facilitated by technology. If it's not based on gender, it falls under general digital violence.

What is Sextortion?

Sextortion occurs when someone threatens to spread your intimate content without permission in order to extort you. This could range from photos to videos, which the perpetrator might have obtained through hacking or you might have shared out of trust. Typically, perpetrators use this opportunity to demand money or more.

How Do Perpetrators Operate?

Digital forensic experts say that sextortion criminals target victims—both women and men—who post about their troubles or loneliness on social media. Typically, perpetrators

monitor such accounts to find their victims. They use fake profiles, often with photos of handsome men that seem convincing, and pretend to be soldiers or foreign workers at large companies. They start with DMs, gradually ask for contact numbers, and then intensify the communication. Most victims are women who fall for the good looks in the photos or sweet promises. The perpetrator then entices the victim to send vulgar photos or videos, which are then used to extort and threaten the victim.

The Dangers of Sextortion

These cases not only ruin reputations but can also cause severe stress to victims. In Indonesia, according to data from the National Commission on Violence Against Women, cases of online gender-based violence have surged nearly 400% during the pandemic!

How to Protect Yourself from Sextortion

1.    Protect Your Online Privacy: Ensure your personal information is secure and not easily accessible.

2.    Be Cautious with New Acquaintances: Always verify their identity first.

3.    Use Strong Passwords: Additionally, enable two-step verification on all your accounts.

4.    Avoid Sharing Devices: Especially with people you don’t know well.

Actions to Take if You Become a Victim

1.    If you or someone you know becomes a victim of sextortion:

2.    Document Everything: Capture all messages and communications.

3.    Block the Perpetrator and cut off all communication.

4.    Report to Platforms or the Police: Show the evidence you have.

5.    Seek help from family and relatives. Don’t handle it alone; it might lead to depression.

Remember, guys, online safety is extremely important. Protect yourself and avoid becoming a victim of digital crime!