Digital Intimacy and Online Consent

Technology has transformed how we connect, flirt, and build intimacy. From video calls and messaging apps to social media and dating platforms, online spaces now play a huge role in sexual expression and relationships.

But as digital intimacy becomes more common, so does the need to understand online consent, what it means, how it’s communicated, and why it’s just as important as in-person consent.

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What Is Online Consent?

Online consent refers to mutual, informed, and voluntary agreement to participate in any digital sexual or intimate interaction. This could include:

• Sending or receiving intimate photos or videos
• Engaging in sexual chat or video calls
• Sharing or posting personal content online

The same principles apply online as in person: consent must be freely given, specific, informed, and reversible.

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When Digital Consent Is Missing

Non-consensual sharing of intimate images, sometimes called image-based abuse, is a serious breach of privacy and can cause lasting harm.

In Australia, this is a criminal offence under laws introduced across all states and territories.

If you or someone you support experiences this, report it to the eSafety Commissioner, who can help remove the content and take enforcement action. More information: esafety.gov.au

Alternatively, you can report any instances of digital content misuse to your local police station.

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Practising Safe and Respectful Online Consent

• Always ask first before sharing or requesting intimate content.
• Be mindful of digital footprints. Once shared, images can be difficult to remove.
• Don’t assume ongoing consent. Just because someone shared something once doesn’t mean you can reuse or resend it.
• Respect withdrawal. If someone changes their mind, stop immediately and delete any shared content.
• Communicate clearly - use direct language, emojis, or assistive devices if needed to ensure both parties understand.

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Closing Thoughts

Consent doesn’t end where the screen begins. Whether in person or online, every interaction should be guided by respect, empathy, and awareness. Everyone has the right to control their image, body, and boundaries — both offline and online.

If you take one message from this series, let it be this:

Consent is ongoing, mutual, and non-negotiable, and “no” will always be a complete sentence.

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