The rise of “creepshots” – covert, non-consensual photography (NCII)
I wrote in the 3Plus newsletter yesterday how I had been introduced to the the term “creepshots” by a LinkedIn connection. It is not, as it sounds, an unpleasant new addition to the Starbucks menu. She had spotted a stranger photographing her legs on a train on the way home from work, presumably having exhausted all other ways to pass the time.
“Creepshots” are photographs taken of individuals in public without their knowledge or consent, typically targeting intimate or sexualized body parts, essentially street photography, but for people with no moral compass and a dubious camera roll.
As I have written before (See Substack Cool Tech: The next Privacy Frontier) with the arrival of Meta Glasses we are already starting to see a spike in non-consensual photography. Non-Consensual Intimate Image (NCII) abuse is a pervasive and rapidly escalating form of technology-facilitated gender-based violence. Despite national and international efforts to address the issue, the true scale remains largely underestimated due to significant reporting gaps and fragmented enforcement mechanisms.
Guidelines to deal with creepshots
Dealing with covert photos (“creep shots”) whether taken with a phone or smart glasses, requires a mix of awareness, boundaries, and personal safety. Following the newsletter I was asked to offer some guidance so here are practical, grounded guidelines on how you could respond:
1. Trust your instinct
If something feels off, someone angling a device strangely, pointing glasses repeatedly, or hovering in a way that doesn’t match normal behaviour, don’t dismiss it. You don’t need proof to take yourself seriously.
2. Prioritise your safety over confrontation
Your first decision isn’t “Should I call them out?” Better is “Am I safe to do so?”
- If you’re alone, in a quiet space, or the person feels unpredictable, create distance first.
- Move toward a populated or staffed area.
3. Use low-risk interruption techniques
Sometimes subtle disruption is enough to stop the behaviour:
- Make direct eye contact and hold it briefly
- Change position (turn your back, move away, sit elsewhere)
- Bring attention to the situation (e.g., stand near others)
This signals awareness without escalating.
4. If you choose to address it, keep it simple and public
If you feel safe:
- Use a clear, calm statement: “ Stop taking photos of me.”
- Avoid long explanations or arguments
- Speak loudly enough that others nearby can hear (this adds social pressure)
You’re setting a boundary, not debating intent.
5. Involve staff or authority where appropriate
In places like cafés, gyms, transport, or events:
- Report the behaviour to staff or security
- Many venues have policies against unauthorised photography
If the situation feels serious or persistent, consider contacting local authorities.
6. Document if safe to do so
If you can do it without escalating:
- Note time, location, and description of the person
- Take a photo/video only if it doesn’t put you at risk
This can help if you decide to report it.
7. Know the legal grey areas
Laws vary by country, but generally:
- In public spaces, photography is often legal except in a specific list of countries.
- However, harassment, stalking, or photographing intimate areas is not
Even if something is technically legal, it can still be inappropriate, and you still have the right to challenge it or leave.
8. Avoid self-blame
People engaging in this behaviour rely on others second-guessing themselves don’t doubt yourself you didn’t “misread” just because the behaviour was subtle.
9. After the incident
Even if nothing “happened,” it can feel unsettling:
- Talk it through with someone you trust
- Reset your sense of control (a walk, calling someone, etc.)
10. If this is happening repeatedly (e.g., workplace or local area)
That’s a different level:
- Log incidents over time
- Escalate formally (HR, management, local authorities) Read the 3Plus Quick Guide to Workplace Sexual Harassment and contact me for specific workplace guidelines to deal with NCII (Non- Conseusual Intimate Images)
- This can cross into harassment or stalking patterns and if it’s in a spcific location – near your home for example inform the police.
A grounded reality check
Not every odd movement is malicious , but enough are that it’s reasonable to respond. The goal isn’t to become hyper-vigilant; it’s to feel permitted to act when something doesn’t feel right.
If this resonates, don’t leave it unaddressed. Digital harssment is the latest frontier of abuse whether in the workplace or in public spaces.
For individuals reach out to learn about our trauma informed coaching programs
3Plus International supports organisations to build safer, trauma-informed workplaces where boundary violations are taken seriously.👉 Get in touch for guidelines.
