Aussies are being warned about the risks of sending a “spicy” photo, as experts say evolving technology — including AI tools capable of manipulating images — has created new dangers.
New research from personalised card company Moonpig found 52 per cent of Australian adults have sent a cheeky photo before, and 69 per cent believed it had a positive impact on intimacy in their relationship.
But before you hit send, experts say there are a few things you should know.
Certified sex and relationships expert Georgia Grace told Yahoo Lifestyle people need to be careful about what they send.
“Recently, there’s been increasing concern about the misuse of AI tools to manipulate images, including digitally removing clothing without consent,” she said.
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“Because of this, many people are understandably cautious about sending photos.
“This context is important when we talk about spicy pics. Even if an image isn’t a real nude, these tools can still be used to cause harm, so safety must remain central to the conversation.”
When we talk about “spicy” pictures, it doesn’t necessarily mean something explicit.
Georgia said it could be any image intended to express sexuality, sensuality or erotic energy.
“It doesn’t automatically mean explicit nudity,” she said.
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“Often people find photos spicier when they hint at something rather than fully reveal everything.
“It might be lingerie, a suggestive pose, a teasing angle, or even just a look or mood that implies desire.”
When used thoughtfully, Georgia said spicy pictures can bring couples closer, deepen intimacy and strengthen sexual connection.
But she stresses that consent is crucial.
Consent is key when it comes to spicy images
While sending intimate photos can feel safe within a healthy relationship, dangers can arise in other situations.
Revenge porn — the non-consensual sharing of someone’s intimate photos — remains a serious issue.
Despite it being illegal in Australia, many people have still experienced it.
An RMIT study found one in 10 people had experienced a nude or sexual image of themselves being distributed to others or posted online without their consent, with women aged 18 to 24 among the most commonly victimised.
Georgia said it’s important to consider where an image could end up before hitting send.
Relationship expert Georgia Grace said sending spicy images can be great, but there are pitfalls to look out for. Source: Georgia Grace
“Consent isn’t just about the moment of sending,” she said.
“It extends to storage, sharing and deletion. Sharing intimate images without consent is a criminal offence in Australia, and privacy should always come first.”
Sextortion scams surge in Australia
Sending these types of pictures to strangers can be far riskier — and in some cases can lead to sextortion.
Sextortion is a form of blackmail where someone threatens to release a sexual image or video of the victim unless they meet demands, often involving money.
Aussie radio host Matty Acton, from Brisbane radio show Stav, Abby & Matt, previously revealed his son nearly fell victim to the scam as a teenager.
Acton said he discovered the situation during a routine check of his son’s phone and found messages from someone pretending to be a girl.
“I found out through a spot check, just going through messages one day, and saw that he’d been talking to a girl we’d never met,” he said.
The messages started out fairly innocent before quickly turning flirty, with the person eventually asking for nude photos.
“The scariest part was they’re very specific about how they want you to position the photo,” Matty said.
“They ask for your full face to be in it.”
These scams can quickly escalate, with victims threatened that the images will be sent to friends, family or followers unless they pay.
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said the problem is growing rapidly, with reports of sextortion to the agency increasing by more than 1,300 per cent since 2018.
Young men appear to be the overwhelming victims in this trend, according to eSafety data.
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Things to keep in mind before sending a spicy photo
At the heart of the issue, Georgia said many people underestimate the permanence of sharing images online.
“Once an image exists digitally, control over it can never be 100 per cent guaranteed, and that’s important to acknowledge,” she said.
“If people are choosing to share, it should be within a private, secure thread with clear agreements about storage and deletion.”
Georgia shared some advice for those considering sending a spicy picture:
Have explicit conversations about privacy and deletion and understand the legal implications of image-based abuse
Avoid including identifiable details like your face, tattoos or background clues
Use secure messaging threads and only share with people you trust
Trust your instincts — if something feels off, pause
And if you or your child ever faces sextortion, the eSafety Commissioner advises:
Save the evidence via screenshot
Report the account to the platform
Report to the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation if the victim is under 18
Report to eSafety if intimate imagery has been shared online
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