Why this happens

Most video calling apps do not notify participants when the other party screen records. FaceTime, Zoom, Google Meet, and Snapchat all permit silent recording.

Screen recording of intimate calls is frequently used as a control tactic by partners or as a prelude to sextortion. The recording itself may have occurred months before the distribution.

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 delete the call history or block the perpetrator's number before evidence is preserved. The call records establish the underlying recording event.

Five step removal process

  1. 1

    Preserve all evidence first

    The full call history showing the date, time, and other participant of every relevant call. Full page screenshot of every URL where the recording appears.

  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 screen recorded call 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 screen recorded call preserve?

The full call history showing the date, time, and other participant of every relevant call. Full page screenshot of every URL where the recording appears. Any messages from the other participant before, during, or after the call. The application used for the call, which determines what server side records may be available.

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 screen recorded call?

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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