Why this happens

Intimate images shared inside a relationship survive long after the relationship ends. The most common trigger is a contested breakup, a new partner, or financial dispute.

Most leaks are first posted to platforms the perpetrator believes are anonymous. They rarely are. Account metadata, IP logs, and payment records routinely identify the source.

Legal framework in Israel

Prevention of Sexual Harassment Law 5758-1998, amendment 2014 adding subsection 3(a)(5A) on publication of sexual photographs, films or recordings. Up to 5 years imprisonment for the publication offence (treated as a felony).

Israel's 2014 amendment classified non consensual publication of sexual imagery as a form of sexual harassment carrying felony grade penalties. This treatment as sexual harassment rather than a privacy offence carries significant civil consequences in addition to criminal exposure.

Evidence to preserve

Do not: Do not contact the ex partner before evidence is preserved and notices are filed. Confrontation gives them time to delete content and craft a denial.

Five step removal process

  1. 1

    Preserve all evidence first

    Full page screenshot of every URL where the content appears, with the URL bar visible. The username or account handle that posted the content.

  2. 2

    File the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Law 5758-1998 criminal complaint

    Report to local police or the national cybercrime unit. 105 Online Safety Hotline can assist.

  3. 3

    Submit an erasure request under Protection of Privacy Law 5741-1981 right to erasure

    Each major platform has a designated data protection contact. The request must cite the legal basis and identify the URLs. The platform has 30 days to respond. PPA accepts complaints for non compliance.

  4. 4

    Run a biometric scan to find every additional copy

    Content posted to one platform is rarely confined to one platform. ScanErase identifies every current hosting location in a single scan, including mirror copies and AI generated variants.

  5. 5

    File TAKE IT DOWN Act notices for covered platforms

    Use your scan report to file the federal 48 hour notice yourself, in parallel with your domestic rights. The two regimes are cumulative, not exclusive.

Statutory citations to include in your complaint

Frequently asked questions

Is leaked by ex a crime in Israel?

Yes. Prevention of Sexual Harassment Law 5758-1998, amendment 2014 adding subsection 3(a)(5A) on publication of sexual photographs, films or recordings criminalises this conduct. Up to 5 years imprisonment for the publication offence (treated as a felony).

What evidence should a Israel victim of leaked by ex preserve?

Full page screenshot of every URL where the content appears, with the URL bar visible. The username or account handle that posted the content. Any direct messages, texts, or emails from the ex partner referencing the content. The original image metadata if you still have the source file, which can prove provenance.

Does Protection of Privacy Law 5741-1981 right to erasure apply to this scenario?

Yes. Protection of Privacy Law 5741-1981 right to erasure gives the victim a direct erasure right against any platform processing the imagery. PPA enforces non compliance.

What support is available in Israel for leaked by ex?

105 Online Safety Hotline provides direct support to victims and can assist with both the criminal complaint and the platform removal process. Contact at https://www.gov.il/he/departments/general/105_general.

Can a Israel victim also file a US TAKE IT DOWN Act notice?

Yes when the hosting platform is subject to US jurisdiction. The 48 hour federal removal obligation runs in parallel with rights under Prevention of Sexual Harassment Law 5758-1998 and Protection of Privacy Law 5741-1981 right to erasure.

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