{"id":524964,"date":"2026-03-07T16:13:19","date_gmt":"2026-03-07T16:13:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/524964\/"},"modified":"2026-03-07T16:13:19","modified_gmt":"2026-03-07T16:13:19","slug":"relationship-expert-warns-aussies-about-sending-spicy-photos-as-ai-risks-grow","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/524964\/","title":{"rendered":"Relationship expert warns Aussies about sending \u2018spicy photos\u2019 as AI risks grow"},"content":{"rendered":"

Aussies are being warned about the risks of sending a \u201cspicy\u201d photo<\/a>, as experts say evolving technology \u2014 including AI tools capable of manipulating images \u2014 has created new dangers.<\/p>\n

New research<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

But before you hit send, experts say there are a few things you should know.<\/p>\n

Certified sex and relationships expert Georgia Grace told Yahoo Lifestyle people need to be careful about what they send.<\/p>\n

\u201cRecently, there\u2019s been increasing concern about the misuse of AI tools to manipulate images, including digitally removing clothing without consent,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause of this, many people are understandably cautious about sending photos.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis context is important when we talk about spicy pics. Even if an image isn\u2019t a real nude, these tools can still be used to cause harm, so safety must remain central to the conversation.\u201d<\/p>\n

When we talk about \u201cspicy\u201d pictures, it doesn\u2019t necessarily mean something explicit.<\/p>\n

Georgia said it could be any image intended to express sexuality, sensuality or erotic energy.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt doesn\u2019t automatically mean explicit nudity,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Do you have a story? Email stew.perrie@yahooinc.com<\/p>\n

\u201cOften people find photos spicier when they hint at something rather than fully reveal everything.<\/p>\n

“It might be lingerie, a suggestive pose, a teasing angle, or even just a look or mood that implies desire.\u201d<\/p>\n

When used thoughtfully, Georgia said spicy pictures can bring couples closer, deepen intimacy and strengthen sexual connection.<\/p>\n

But she stresses that consent is crucial.<\/p>\n

Consent is key when it comes to spicy images<\/p>\n

While sending intimate photos can feel safe within a healthy relationship, dangers can arise in other situations.<\/p>\n

Revenge porn \u2014 the non-consensual sharing of someone\u2019s intimate photos \u2014 remains a serious issue.<\/p>\n

Despite it being illegal in Australia, many people have still experienced it.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Georgia said it\u2019s important to consider where an image could end up before hitting send.<\/p>\n

\"Relationship<\/p>\n

Relationship expert Georgia Grace said sending spicy images can be great, but there are pitfalls to look out for. Source: Georgia Grace<\/p>\n

\u201cConsent isn\u2019t just about the moment of sending,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt extends to storage, sharing and deletion. Sharing intimate images without consent is a criminal offence in Australia, and privacy should always come first.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sextortion scams surge in Australia<\/p>\n

Sending these types of pictures to strangers can be far riskier \u2014 and in some cases can lead to sextortion.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Acton said he discovered the situation during a routine check of his son\u2019s phone and found messages from someone pretending to be a girl.<\/p>\n

\u201cI found out through a spot check, just going through messages one day, and saw that he\u2019d been talking to a girl we\u2019d never met,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

The messages started out fairly innocent before quickly turning flirty, with the person eventually asking for nude photos.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe scariest part was they\u2019re very specific about how they want you to position the photo,\u201d Matty said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey ask for your full face to be in it.\u201d<\/p>\n

These scams can quickly escalate, with victims threatened that the images will be sent to friends, family or followers unless they pay.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Young men appear to be the overwhelming victims in this trend, according to eSafety data.<\/p>\n

SHOP:<\/p>\n

Things to keep in mind before sending a spicy photo<\/p>\n

At the heart of the issue, Georgia said many people underestimate the permanence of sharing images online.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnce an image exists digitally, control over it can never be 100 per cent guaranteed, and that\u2019s important to acknowledge,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf people are choosing to share, it should be within a private, secure thread with clear agreements about storage and deletion.\u201d<\/p>\n

Georgia shared some advice for those considering sending a spicy picture:<\/p>\n

Have explicit conversations about privacy and deletion and understand the legal implications of image-based abuse<\/p>\n

Avoid including identifiable details like your face, tattoos or background clues<\/p>\n

Use secure messaging threads and only share with people you trust<\/p>\n

Trust your instincts \u2014 if something feels off, pause<\/p>\n

And if you or your child ever faces sextortion, the eSafety Commissioner advises:<\/p>\n

Save the evidence via screenshot<\/p>\n

Report the account to the platform<\/p>\n

Report to the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation if the victim is under 18<\/p>\n

Report to eSafety if intimate imagery has been shared online<\/p>\n

Want the latest lifestyle and entertainment news? Make sure to follow us on Facebook<\/a>, Instagram, <\/a>and TikTok<\/a>. <\/p>\n