Indecent Exposure – the practice typically involves offenders sending non-consensual sexual image to people via social media or dating apps but can also be over data sharing services such as Bluetooth and Airdrop. While it can be referred to by other terms, such as digital flashing or `dick pics’, this trivialises the offence and the impact on the victim. In some instances, a preview of the photo can appear on a person’s device – meaning that even if the transfer is rejected victims are forced into seeing the image. This may cause the victim to be distressed and embarrassed, making them feel vulnerable, as they do not know who or why the person sending the photo has targeted them.
- Cyber flashing is a form of indecent exposure (also known as ‘flashing’) that takes place online.
- It can happen over text, email, WhatsApp, social media, dating apps or other online platforms. It can also happen via AirDrop, Nearby Share or other apps that allow someone to send files to people close by – including strangers.
- Like indecent exposure that happens in person, cyber flashing is sometimes dismissed as ‘funny’. But it’s in fact a form of sexual violence and a serious crime that causes victims to feel distressed, violated and vulnerable in digital spaces.
- Cyber flashing became a criminal offence in England and Wales on 31 January 2024 and carries a maximum sentence of two years in prison.
- Not only is cyber flashing very common (especially against young women and girls), but it can also be very harmful. It is often upsetting or scary for the person who experiences it and can make them feel unsafe.
- Cyber flashing can be part of grooming. This is a form of sexual abuse that happens when someone builds a false relationship or connection with a child or vulnerable person in order to gain power or control over them, and more easily carry out other forms of sexual violence or abuse.
Men and women can both commit indecent exposure. It can happen in public or in private.
No one ever deserves or asks for cyber flashing to happen
100% of the blame, shame and responsibility lies with the perpetrator (person who carried it out).
Someone should always get another person’s consent before sending them a sexual image or video of any kind – no matter what kind of contact or interaction they’ve had before.
*Airdrop is a feature on iPhones, iPods and iMacs that uses Bluetooth to create a peer-to-peer Wi-Fi network between devices. When switched on, it automatically detects supported devices within a radius of 10 metres. Although AirDrop can be used in a harmless way as it allows people to share photos with family and friends, some people are using the facility to send obscene pictures to strangers, usually whilst they travel on trains or buses. This can take place anywhere where there is a Wi-Fi signal.