Intimate photos shared after social media hacks
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- Published
A "significant number of people" have had their social media accounts hacked and personal details and intimate images shared online, Lancashire Police said.
The force said many of the folders being circulated contained illegal images of underage girls.
A man in his 20s from Thornton Cleveleys has been given a caution after he admitted possessing and sharing folders containing intimate images, including children.
Five men have been arrested and released on bail as the investigation continues.
'Despicable activity'
Under The Online Safety Act 2023, it is an offence to share an intimate photograph or film without consent, and offenders face up to six months imprisonment for doing so, police said.
In the event that the folders shared contain images of children under 18, the sentence "increases significantly", the force said.
Det Ch Insp Rachel Higson said: "We are proactively identifying and pursuing those involved in this despicable activity, which constitutes the ultimate breach of privacy for these victims.
"As part of our investigation we have uncovered a significant number of people who have been affected, which has impacted hugely on their lives."
She said the force was "actively" trying to find further victims and encouraged people to come forward.
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