News release
Youths under investigation by RCMP NL for distribution of intimate images without consent
June 18, 2025
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St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
From: Newfoundland and Labrador RCMP
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A youth was arrested and is facing a criminal charge while a number of other youths remain under investigation by RCMP NL for the distribution of an intimate image without consent.
On Friday, June 13, 2025, RCMP NL received a report from a school in Newfoundland and Labrador indicting that an intimate image of a student was being shared without consent by a number of other students in a group chat on Snapchat.
So far, the investigation has led to one arrest with others anticipated. The investigation is continuing.
RCMP NL strongly cautions against sharing intimate images over social media apps, including Snapchat. Once an image is shared, the individual has no control over the image, including how it is further used or shared. Even if an image is no longer visible on a user’s phone, it could still exist in other forms — for example, as a picture of a picture.
RCMP NL also reminds the public it is illegal and criminal offence to share intimate images of anyone without the consent of that individual. Those who share intimate images of an individual(s) under the age of 18 could also face charges related to the distribution of child sexual exploitation material (also known as Child Pornography, according to the Criminal Code of Canada). It is important to understand that the legal consequences of these activities apply to both adults and youth, and may involve registration as a sexual offender, jail time and a criminal record if convicted, irrespective of the offender’s age.
If you have information or would like to report suspected offences, please contact your local police or file a report with Cybertip, Canada's national tipline, at www.cybertip.ca.
To learn more about the law, how to protect yourself or your child, and what to do if this happens to you, please visit:
https://cybertip.ca/en/online-harms/intimate-images/
https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/rp-pr/other-autre/cndii-cdncii/p6.html
RCMP NL continues to fulfill its mandate to protect public safety, enforce the law, and ensure the delivery of priority policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador.