If someone has threatened to share your intimate images online — or already has — StopNCII.org is one of the most important free tools available to you right now. It cannot delete images already circulating, but it can stop them from spreading across the world’s biggest platforms before they reach millions of people.
Here is a full breakdown of how StopNCII.org works, what happens to your images during the process, which platforms are protected, and what the tool genuinely cannot do — so you can make an informed decision about using it.
What Is StopNCII.org and Who Is Behind It?
StopNCII.org is a free, global tool that prevents non-consensual intimate images (NCII) from being shared across major online platforms. It was created by the Revenge Porn Helpline (RPH), which is part of SWGfL — South West Grid for Learning — a UK-based online safety charity founded in 2000. The tool launched in December 2021.
NCII — commonly called “revenge porn” or image-based sexual abuse — refers to intimate images or videos shared, or threatened to be shared, without the subject’s consent. The harm is severe and well-documented. Researchers at Monash University and RMIT describe it as causing long-term psychological trauma, professional damage, and a persistent sense of lost control over one’s own life.
StopNCII was built specifically to address the gap traditional legal systems leave open. Legal action is slow, cross-jurisdictional enforcement is complex, and by the time a court order arrives, the image has spread. StopNCII intervenes at the upload level — before most harm occurs.
As of November 2025, <cite index=”6-1″>StopNCII.org is being used to protect 2 million images — a 97% increase from 2024 — and has supported over 785,000 cases, actively preventing over 10,000 instances where someone’s intimate images were attempted to be posted online without consent.</cite>
The platform is funded through a partnership model: <cite index=”1-1″>those incorporating the StopNCII.org hashing database are required to donate towards the project in order to sustain its future.</cite> For users, it is entirely free.
How Does StopNCII.org Actually Work? The Hash Technology Explained
StopNCII works by creating a unique digital fingerprint — called a hash — of your image directly on your device. Your actual photo or video is never uploaded anywhere. Only the fingerprint is sent to StopNCII’s database, and from there to partner platforms.
This is the core innovation that makes StopNCII both effective and privacy-preserving. Here is what happens technically:
What Is a Hash (Digital Fingerprint)?
<cite index=”10-1″>Image hashing is the process of using an algorithm to assign a unique hash value to an image. Duplicate copies of the image all have the exact same hash value — which is why it is sometimes referred to as a ‘digital fingerprint’.</cite> Think of it like a barcode generated from the image’s pixel data. Two identical images always produce the same barcode. Two different images produce different barcodes.
The hash itself is a short string of numbers and letters. It tells platforms nothing about what the image contains — it simply gives them a pattern to look for. <cite index=”10-1″>The algorithms StopNCII uses are PDQ/PhotoDNA for photos and MD5 for videos.</cite>
PhotoDNA was originally developed by Microsoft to detect child sexual abuse material. It is the same proven technology adapted here for adult victims of NCII.
The Five-Step Process
Step 1 — You select the image on your device. You choose the intimate image or video you want to protect. It stays on your phone or computer. Nothing is uploaded at this stage.
Step 2 — The hash is generated locally. <cite index=”5-1″>StopNCII is the world’s first device-side hashing technology for victims of NCII abuse. The victim is never required to share their intimate image — the hash is created by the victim themselves on their own device.</cite> The hashing algorithm runs in your browser. Your image never moves.
Step 3 — Only the hash is sent to StopNCII. <cite index=”3-1″>A hash will be sent from your device, but not the image/video itself. Your content will not be shared — it will remain on your device.</cite> StopNCII stores this fingerprint in a secure database.
Step 4 — Partner platforms receive the hash. <cite index=”4-1″>StopNCII.org shares the hash with participating companies — social media platforms and hosting services — that have committed to using the hash database for proactive detection and removal.</cite>
Step 5 — Uploads are blocked or removed. <cite index=”8-1″>If an image is uploaded to a platform that matches the corresponding hash, the image will be moderated. If it meets the criteria of an intimate image, it will be removed and blocked from any further sharing across all partner platforms.</cite>
The entire process typically takes under ten minutes. You receive a case number and PIN to manage your case afterward.
Which Platforms Participate in StopNCII’s Network?
As of 2025–2026, StopNCII works with a growing list of major platforms — and the network is expanding. This is crucial to understand: protection only applies to platforms that have formally joined the program.
<cite index=”5-1″>StopNCII currently works with Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Bumble, Reddit, OnlyFans, PornHub, Threads, and Snap to immediately prevent posting content across their platforms.</cite>
In September 2025, Google announced a new partnership. <cite index=”9-1″>As part of a long-term commitment to creating a safer online environment, Google joined StopNCII.org’s initiative to create more scalable solutions for victims affected by NCII content.</cite>
<cite index=”6-1″>The latest platforms to join the initiative include BlueSky, F2F.com, and SafetyKit.</cite> The full, current partner list is always maintained at StopNCII.org/partners.
| Platform | Participating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Yes | Founding partner | |
| ✅ Yes | Founding partner | |
| TikTok | ✅ Yes | Active partner |
| Snapchat | ✅ Yes | Active partner |
| ✅ Yes | Active partner | |
| Bumble | ✅ Yes | Active partner |
| OnlyFans | ✅ Yes | Active partner |
| PornHub (Aylo) | ✅ Yes | Active partner |
| Threads | ✅ Yes | Active partner |
| Google Search | ✅ Yes | Partnership announced Sept 2025 |
| BlueSky | ✅ Yes | Joined late 2025 |
| Telegram | ❌ No | Not currently participating |
| Twitter / X | ❌ No | Has separate reporting process |
<cite index=”10-1″>StopNCII.org only works on public-facing platforms, posts, stories, and videos. Most messaging platforms use end-to-end encryption, which means hashing technologies do not apply.</cite> This is an important limitation: if images are being shared through private encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp or Signal, StopNCII cannot detect or block them at that layer.
<cite index=”6-1″>StopNCII maintains a network of 94 NGOs across the world to further provide support to those victims</cite> whose situations fall outside what the technology can address.
Step-by-Step: How to Use StopNCII.org
Using StopNCII is designed to be simple, even for people in distress. Here is exactly how the process works when you go to the site:
Step 1 — Go to StopNCII.org The site works on both desktop and mobile browsers. No app download or account creation is required.
Step 2 — Click “Create Your Case” You will be asked to confirm that you are 18 or older, that the image depicts you, and that you are the person submitting the case. These criteria exist to prevent misuse — someone cannot submit images of another person to censor their content.
Step 3 — Select your images or videos You can submit multiple files at once. The interface accepts standard image formats and video files. <cite index=”10-1″>The original image works best, but if you only have a screenshot you can use that — just remove any borders without cropping the image itself. For videos, take a few screenshots and hash those alongside the video files.</cite>
Step 4 — Hashes are generated on your device This happens automatically and takes seconds per file. A confirmation screen shows you each file has been processed. Nothing has been sent yet.
Step 5 — Submit your case You receive a unique Case Reference Number and a PIN. <cite index=”3-1″>You may use your case number to check the progress of your case at any time or withdraw it. If lost, the case number is not recoverable — ensure it is kept safe.</cite> Store it somewhere secure.
Step 6 — Hashes are distributed to partner platforms The distribution typically begins quickly. Platforms then begin checking all uploads against your hash.
Step 7 — Ongoing monitoring <cite index=”3-1″>StopNCII.org will periodically continue to look for matches on participating platforms.</cite> Your protection does not expire unless you close your case.
One important note: <cite index=”10-1″>once the hash is created, you can delete the image from your device if you wish — the hash will stay active in the system.</cite>
What StopNCII Can and Cannot Do: Clearing Up the Misconceptions
Several misunderstandings about StopNCII circulate online and stop people from using it correctly — or at all. Here is what the evidence actually shows:
Myth 1: “StopNCII will see or store my images”
This is false. <cite index=”2-1″>The tool works by creating hashes (digital fingerprints) of your selected images directly on your device. This hash is the only file which is shared with StopNCII.org and participating companies. StopNCII.org does not download the images from your device.</cite> No human ever reviews your images as part of this process.
Myth 2: “It removes images that are already online”
This is the most common and consequential misunderstanding. StopNCII prevents future uploads on participating platforms. <cite index=”3-1″>StopNCII.org cannot remove images from the whole internet — only from participating platforms.</cite> If images are already live on a website, you need to report them directly to that platform, use Google’s separate NCII removal tool, or seek legal advice. You can — and should — still register with StopNCII alongside those steps to prevent further spread.
Myth 3: “Cropping or editing the image makes it undetectable”
Partially true. The PDQ and PhotoDNA algorithms are designed to tolerate minor edits — small crops, brightness or contrast changes, format conversions — and still produce a matching hash. However, significant alterations (heavy cropping, face-swapping, or AI-generated variations) can produce a different enough hash to evade detection. <cite index=”10-1″>Only submit the image that you would like to be removed — for example, if you need an edited version removed, submit that edited version.</cite> Submit multiple variants if you have them.
Myth 4: “It only works for UK residents”
False. <cite index=”7-1″>StopNCII.org is a free global tool available to anyone over the age of 18.</cite> It operates across dozens of countries and is available in multiple languages.
Myth 5: “StopNCII reports you to the police”
False. <cite index=”10-1″>StopNCII.org does not work with the police to report content. However, its global network of partners can provide support to help you take further action if needed.</cite> Reporting to law enforcement is always your own decision.
Myth 6: “It works on encrypted messaging apps”
False. <cite index=”10-1″>Most messaging platforms use encryption, which means hashing technologies do not apply.</cite> StopNCII only functions at the point of upload to public-facing platforms and posts.
What About Regulatory Recognition?
<cite index=”6-1″>In June 2025, the UK communications regulator Ofcom explicitly recognised StopNCII.org as a “leading global example” in its consultation on the Online Safety Act 2023, noting the service enables proactive prevention of NCII distribution without requiring platforms to view content.</cite> This regulatory endorsement reflects the tool’s proven technical approach and real-world impact.
StopNCII.org vs. Other NCII Protection Tools
No single tool solves the NCII problem completely. Understanding how StopNCII fits alongside other options helps you build a more complete response:
| Tool | Cost | What It Does | Removes Existing Content | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| StopNCII.org | Free | Hash-based prevention across partner platforms | Partially (on partners) | Global, 18+ |
| Google NCII Removal Tool | Free | Removes search results showing your images | Yes (Google only) | Global |
| Meta’s own reporting | Free | Platform-specific image reporting | Yes (Meta only) | Global |
| Cyber Civil Rights Initiative | Free | Advocacy, legal referrals, support | Case-by-case | US-focused |
| Internet Watch Foundation | Free | Handles content involving minors | Yes | Global |
| Legal takedown services | Paid | DMCA notices, injunctions | Yes | Varies |
StopNCII’s distinct advantage is cross-platform scale: one registration proactively protects you across multiple platforms simultaneously, including before an image is ever uploaded. No other single tool does this. The September 2025 Google partnership also means that hashes registered with StopNCII now support Search-level protections as well.
For the broadest protection, combine StopNCII registration with a Google NCII removal request and direct reporting to any platforms where images are already visible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does StopNCII.org actually work? Yes, within its defined scope. The hash-matching technology is the same family of tools used globally to detect child sexual abuse material — it is technically proven and widely deployed. The limitation is coverage: it only protects you on participating platforms, and heavily altered image versions may not match. <cite index=”6-1″>The tool has actively prevented over 10,000 confirmed upload attempts as of late 2025.</cite> Ofcom recognized it as a leading global example of proactive NCII prevention in 2025.
Will StopNCII see my intimate images? No. <cite index=”10-1″>Your images will never leave your device and will never be saved by StopNCII. Only the digital fingerprints, known as hashes, are stored. Partner platforms can only access hashes to match against images uploaded to their platforms — not the images themselves.</cite>
Can I delete my case after submitting it? Yes. Your Case Reference Number and PIN allow you to close your case at any time, removing your hashes from the database and from partner platform detection systems. There is no time pressure to keep the case open once your situation is resolved.
What if someone edits the image before uploading it? Minor edits like brightness adjustments, small crops, or compression changes are generally handled by the algorithms. Major alterations may generate a sufficiently different hash to bypass detection. This is a known limitation that researchers and StopNCII acknowledge. If you know what edited version might be shared, submit that version separately.
Is StopNCII free, and do I need to create an account? <cite index=”2-1″>The Revenge Porn Helpline, established in 2015, has supported thousands of victims of non-consensual intimate image abuse.</cite> StopNCII.org itself is completely free to use and requires no account, email address, or personal details. Only your Case Reference Number and PIN identify your case.
What if the person threatening me is using a platform StopNCII doesn’t cover? For platforms not in the partner network — including Twitter/X, Telegram, and smaller sites — you need to report directly to those platforms. StopNCII provides guidance links through its NGO network. For serious threats, contacting law enforcement is advisable.
Can I use StopNCII if the images were already shared? Yes. <cite index=”10-1″>If intimate images have already been shared online, your first step should be to report them to the platforms. You can also add them to StopNCII.org for future protection.</cite> Registration after the fact still blocks future uploads across all participating platforms.
Does StopNCII work for videos, not just photos? Yes. <cite index=”10-1″>Videos and images use different hash formats — each video usually has a picture thumbnail with it. StopNCII recommends taking a few screenshots of the video and hashing these images alongside the video files.</cite>
Conclusion
StopNCII.org is a technically sound, privacy-preserving, and genuinely free tool that addresses one of the most distressing forms of online abuse. Its hash-based system means your images stay on your device at every step. Its growing network of platform partners — now including Google, Meta, TikTok, OnlyFans, Reddit, and Snapchat, among others — gives it real-world reach that no single platform’s internal reporting can match.
Its limitations are real and worth knowing: it does not remove existing content, it does not cover platforms outside its network, and it does not touch encrypted messaging apps. But as a preventive layer — particularly if you act before images are shared — it offers protection that would otherwise require legal action, time, and money.
If you are at risk right now, register at StopNCII.org before images are shared, not after. The process takes under ten minutes. You need only the image, a browser, and a safe place to store your case number.
If content is already circulating, combine StopNCII registration with:
- A Google NCII removal request (removes search results)
- Direct platform reporting on any site where the image appears
- Support from the Revenge Porn Helpline (UK) at 0345 6000 459, the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative (US) at cybercivilrights.org, or StopNCII’s own global NGO referral network
You do not have to navigate this alone, and you do not have to pay for your first line of defence.
Every question deserves a great answer—start with our top article picks.
