The non-consensual distribution of intimate images including videos can occur in various situations involving adults and youth, including relationship breakdown and cyberbullying. Young people are increasingly consensually exchanging intimate images, which may later become fodder for humiliating cyberbullying attacks, with these images spreading quickly and often uncontrollably. Often these images are originally intended for an individual or only a small number of other people but are disseminated more widely than the originator consented to or anticipated. The effect of this distribution is a violation of the depicted person's privacy in relation to images, the distribution of which is likely to be embarrassing, humiliating, harassing, and degrading or to otherwise harm that person. There is limited data on the extent and the nature of this activity. Much of what is known about this behaviour is anecdotal and comes from the United States.

For youth under 18 years old, taking and sharing sexual images can also be against the law, even if the youth agrees to have the images shared with others or if the images are of yourself see more information below. If someone has shared an image of you online without your permission, see below for information about who you can talk to and what you can do. Is sexting illegal? Get more help and information. Sometimes viagra is used.

In many countries, including Canada, 'sexting' can be considered a crime if the persons portrayed are minors. The recent child pornography charges laid against two year-olds in the tragic case of Rehtaeh Parsons in Nova Scotia have renewed debate in this country about how to deal with the texting or online posting of sexually suggestive images of minors by their peers, whether it's done with or without consent. Studies show that sexting has become a common practice among teens and young people. And it has led to child pornography charges in some countries, even against teens who were romantically involved and consensually exchanged intimate photos. In , according to The Age newspaper, 32 teenagers were charged with child pornography offences in Victoria state.

Revenge Porn is online bullying of another person such as sharing intimate picture, video, or film without consent of the person depicted. The person distributing intimate image, video, or film can face criminal charges in Canada in addition to a civil lawsuit. The subject holds a reasonable expectation of privacy on the intimate image regardless even if the subject was a willing participant in creating it.