Utah law treats hacked or leaked photos as serious violations. More than one statute may apply, depending on how the images were accessed and what was done with them.

Illegal computer access (hacking). It is generally unlawful for someone to access your phone, cloud storage, email, or social media without permission. Common examples include:

• Guessing or stealing your password to get into your iCloud, Google Photos, or social accounts
• Installing spyware or keyloggers on your devices
• Downloading, copying, or transferring private photos without your consent

These actions can lead to criminal “computer crime” charges. Penalties vary depending on the value and type of data, the offender’s intent, and whether there were repeated offenses.

Sharing or threatening to share intimate images. Utah also has laws that target the non-consensual distribution of intimate images and sextortion. It can be illegal to:

• Post or send your nude or intimate photos without your permission
• Threaten to leak images unless you send more photos, pay money, or do something else (“sextortion”)
• Create or use fake intimate images (“counterfeit” or AI-generated) that depict you without consent

Civil claims in addition to criminal law. Even if prosecutors handle the case, you may also have civil claims against the person who hacked or leaked your photos. Civil claims can seek compensation for emotional distress, privacy invasion, lost income, and out-of-pocket costs like counseling or digital cleanup services.

When you first discover that private photos have been hacked or leaked, your instinct may be to delete everything as fast as possible. But taking a structured, step-by-step approach can protect your safety and strengthen any future legal case.

Step 1: Secure your accounts. Before anything else, lock things down:

• Change passwords for email, iCloud/Google, and all social media accounts.
• Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for each account.
• Review recent login activity and remove unknown devices or sessions.

Step 2: Stop direct contact with the offender. If someone is threatening you, avoid negotiating or sending more images. Save the messages, but do not argue or make promises. Your focus should be on preserving evidence and getting help, not satisfying extortion demands.

Step 3: Tell someone you trust. Being targeted in this way is isolating and frightening. Tell a trusted friend, family member, or counselor what happened so you are not handling the situation alone. If you are a minor, tell a parent, guardian, teacher, or another trusted adult as soon as possible.

Deleting posts or messages may feel like the right move, but it can erase important digital clues. The goal is to remove public content while still preserving proof.

Capture what you see. Before anything is deleted or taken down, carefully document what is happening:

• Take screenshots of leaked photos or posts that show usernames, dates, and URLs.
• Save screenshots of threatening messages, including chat apps, DMs, emails, or texts.
• Copy and store links where the content appears, even if you later request removal.

Save system alerts and login records. Many services show location and IP information for logins:

• Download or screenshot security alerts from iCloud, Google, or social apps.
• Save logs showing unusual sign-ins, password reset attempts, or new device access.

Back up evidence safely. Store everything in a secure folder (encrypted if possible) and, if you feel comfortable, give a copy to a lawyer or trusted person. Avoid editing or altering the images and messages you are using as evidence.

Once your accounts are more secure and evidence is preserved, the next step is to report the incident. Utahns usually have several reporting options.

Report to local law enforcement. You can usually start by filing a report with your local police department or sheriff’s office. When you do:

• Explain how the images were accessed, if you know (for example, hacked accounts, stolen phone, or ex-partner with old passwords).
• Describe any threats, blackmail, or demands (money, more images, or other favors).
• Provide copies of screenshots, links, and login alerts you have saved.

When minors are involved. If the victim is under 18, authorities may involve specialized units such as the Utah Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Sextortion and non-consensual image sharing involving minors are treated very seriously.

Report to the platform or website. Most social networks and online platforms have policies against non-consensual intimate images and sextortion. Use their reporting tools to:

• Flag leaked or fake images and request immediate removal.
• Block the offending account.
• Submit screenshots and links as part of your report.

Consider federal reporting if hacking is involved. If your accounts were hacked or you were targeted from outside Utah, you may also file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). This can be especially useful in larger, multi-state, or international sextortion schemes.

Criminal charges focus on the offender’s punishment. Civil claims focus on you, your losses, your healing, and your ability to move forward after the violation.

Possible civil claims. With the help of a Utah attorney, victims may pursue claims such as:

• Invasion of privacy for exposing intimate photos without consent.
• Intentional infliction of emotional distress for severe emotional harm caused by threats or repeated harassment.
• Harassment or stalking-related claims if the conduct is ongoing.
• Economic losses, such as lost work opportunities or costs for therapy and digital cleanup.

What you can ask for in civil court. Depending on the facts, you may ask a court to:

• Award money damages for emotional distress and financial harm.
• Order the offender to stop distributing or posting images.
• Require removal of content they control, such as from their accounts or devices.

A Utah lawyer can help evaluate which claims fit your situation and whether a lawsuit is likely to be worth the emotional and financial effort.

After the immediate crisis passes, many victims still worry about copies of images, future hacking, and the emotional impact of what happened.

Digital safety habits. To reduce the risk of future hacking or leaks:

• Use strong, unique passwords and a password manager.
• Keep 2FA turned on for all major accounts.
• Regularly review privacy settings and app permissions on your phone and social accounts.

Mental health and emotional support. Being targeted in this way can cause anxiety, shame, sleep problems, and difficulty trusting others. Talking with a counselor, therapist, or support group can be an important part of healing. You do not have to go through this alone.

Know that the law is evolving. Utah continues to refine laws around sextortion, counterfeit intimate images, and digital privacy. Following Utah Law Explained can help you stay updated on new protections that may apply to your situation.