Lovers use net for revenge

Spurned lovers are taking revenge on their ex-partners by posting sexually explicit pictures and videos of them on websites, internet safety specialists warn.

Netsafe says it is fielding an increasing number of calls from people who have found intimate pictures from their mobile phones "accessed and misused".

Rachel Harrison, Netsafe information and support services specialist, said some people had done "pretty horrible things to their ex-partners".

And victims were running into legal problems because they had consented to the pictures being taken at the time, she said.

"When things are on the internet they are on there for good."

Most of the victims have been adults whose relationships have fallen apart. The problem is growing as people become more familiar with using technology.

Netsafe programmes manager Lee Chisholm said the vast majority of mobile phones could be locked with a PIN number.

It would safeguard any images stored if someone got hold of the phone, he said.

But he also advised people to be wary of allowing intimate photos or videos of them to be recorded.

"Safe, fun situations can turn sour if recorded information is shared or misused without permission," he said.

"Relationships and friendships change, but photos and videos can be stored forever."