Facebook is adding tools on Wednesday to make it easier for users to report so-called "revenge porn" and to automatically prevent the images from being shared again once they have been banned.
When this content is reported to Facebook, the company can now prevent it from being shared on Facebook, Messenger and Instagram.
According to a study of US victims of non-consensual intimate images, 93% report significant emotional distress and 82% report significant impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of their life.
Facebook designed the tools to help people in these situations. Here's how it works:
- If you see an intimate image on Facebook that looks like it was shared without permission, you can report it by using the "Report" link that appears when you tap on the downward arrow or "..." next to a post.
- Facebook will review the image and remove it if it violates our Community Standards. In most cases, Facebook will also disable the account for sharing intimate images without permission. An appeals process will be offered if someone believes an image was taken down in error.
- Facebook then uses photo-matching technologies to help thwart further attempts to share the image on Facebook, Messenger and Instagram.
- Facebook also partners with safety organizations to offer resources and support to the victims of this behavior.