I. Overview: What the Law Is Trying to Protect

Sharing a person’s video online without consent—especially where the video is private, intimate, humiliating, or used to threaten or harass—can trigger multiple legal consequences in the Philippines: criminal liability, civil damages, and administrative penalties, plus court orders to stop dissemination and preserve evidence.

Because “videos shared without consent” can involve many scenarios (a leaked sex video, a secretly recorded clip, a hacked private video, a revenge post by an ex, a coerced “sextortion” scheme, doxxing paired with a clip, a manipulated/deepfake sexual video, or a workplace/school harassment incident), Philippine remedies work like a toolbox: the best legal path depends on the content, how it was obtained, the relationship of parties, and whether the victim is a minor.

II. Key Concepts and Definitions (Philippine Context)

1) Consent is specific, not implied

In many cases, even if a person consented to being recorded, that does not automatically mean they consented to distribution. Philippine laws often treat recording and sharing/publishing as separate acts with separate liabilities.

2) “Private,” “intimate,” and “sexual” content raises the strongest protections

If the video depicts:

sexual acts or nudity,
a person in a state of undress,
private conduct intended to remain private,
or content designed to humiliate or harass,

then special laws and heavier penalties commonly apply.

3) Minors (below 18) are treated differently

If the subject is a minor, the law generally treats sexual content as child sexual abuse/exploitation material regardless of “consent” or “relationship,” and liability can become significantly more severe.

III. Main Philippine Laws Used Against Non-Consensual Sharing

A. Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act (RA 9995)

When it applies: Commonly invoked for “leaked sex videos,” “revenge porn,” or distribution of intimate recordings without consent, especially where:

the act was recorded under circumstances implying privacy, or
the subject did not consent to sharing, or
the recording was made secretly or without permission.

What it penalizes (in general terms):

recording or capturing images/videos of private acts or body parts under circumstances where the person expects privacy,
copying, reproducing, selling, distributing, publishing, broadcasting, or showing such content,
uploading or sharing online, including through social media, messaging apps, and file-sharing.

Why it matters: RA 9995 is often the core criminal remedy for non-consensual distribution of intimate videos.

B. Cybercrime Prevention Act (RA 10175)

RA 10175 can apply in two major ways:

Cyber-related versions of existing crimes If an offense is committed through a computer system (social media, websites, messaging apps), penalties may be affected and cybercrime procedures become available.
Cybercrime tools for investigation Even when another law is the main offense (like RA 9995, RA 9262, or defamation), RA 10175 is crucial because it supports:

preservation of computer data,
court warrants to obtain subscriber information,
collection of traffic data,
lawful search, seizure, and forensic examination of devices and accounts (through proper warrants).

Practical effect: Cybercrime law is often what makes it possible to identify anonymous uploaders, trace accounts, and preserve digital evidence before it disappears.

C. Data Privacy Act (RA 10173)

When it applies: If the video is “personal information” or “sensitive personal information” (which can include images/videos identifying a person, especially with sexual context), and it is processed (collected, stored, shared, uploaded) without lawful basis.

Possible violations (depending on facts) can include:

unauthorized processing of personal/sensitive personal information,
access due to negligence or malice,
improper disposal or disclosure,
and other data privacy-related offenses.

Remedies available:

Administrative complaints before the National Privacy Commission (NPC) (which can investigate and impose administrative penalties),
potential criminal liability under the Act (depending on the specific violation),
orders relating to compliance, security measures, and cessation of processing.

Practical note: Data Privacy Act remedies can be powerful where the uploader is an organization, employer, school, clinic, or anyone acting like a “personal information controller/processor,” or where the victim wants a regulatory enforcement route.

D. Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (RA 9262)

When it applies: If the victim is a woman and the offender is:

a current or former spouse,
a current or former boyfriend/partner,
someone the victim has had a sexual or dating relationship with,
or someone with whom the victim shares a child.

Non-consensual sharing of intimate videos can constitute psychological violence, harassment, coercion, and other abusive conduct, especially when used to shame, threaten, control, or extort.

Major advantage: RA 9262 allows victims to seek Protection Orders (BPO/TPO/PPO) that can require the offender to:

stop harassment and contact,
stay away,
cease posting/sharing,
surrender devices or comply with other protective terms (subject to court issuance and enforceability).

E. Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313)

When it applies: For gender-based sexual harassment, including acts committed in online spaces, workplaces, schools, and public spaces.

This can cover:

sexually harassing conduct online,
repeated unwanted sexual comments,
cyber-harassment tied to sexual content,
and related humiliating acts that may include sharing sexual content.

Practical angle: It can supplement other cases (like RA 9995) or serve as an additional framework, especially in workplace/school contexts where administrative remedies also exist.

F. Anti-Child Pornography Law (RA 9775) and related child protection laws

When it applies: If the video depicts a minor in sexual content or exploitation. This can apply even if:

the minor “agreed,”
the minor created the content,
or the uploader claims it’s a “private” exchange.

Practical effect: If a minor is involved, the situation becomes a child sexual exploitation matter with very serious consequences for:

creation,
possession,
distribution,
and facilitation.

Victims/guardians should prioritize immediate protection and reporting.

G. Revised Penal Code and related offenses (case-dependent)

Depending on the facts, additional crimes may be considered, such as:

Threats or grave coercion (if used to force the victim to do something),
Extortion or sextortion-related conduct (if money/favors are demanded),
Unjust vexation / harassment-type conduct (depending on charging practices),
Libel/defamation (if captions/claims are defamatory), including cyber libel when posted online,
Obscenity-related provisions (rarely the main path for victim-centered relief, but sometimes raised).

These are highly fact-specific and often used as secondary or alternative charges.

IV. Your Main Legal Options (Remedies), Organized by Goal

Goal 1: Stop the spread quickly

1) Platform takedown + reporting Even before court action, victims can:

report content for non-consensual intimate imagery,
request removal for privacy violations,
request account suspension.

This is not a “legal remedy” in the courtroom sense, but it is often the fastest harm-reduction step.

2) Demand letter / cease-and-desist A lawyer can send a notice demanding:

deletion,
cessation of posting,
identification of mirrors/reuploads,
preservation of evidence,
and undertakings not to repost.

3) Court injunction (civil) Victims can seek:

Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and/or preliminary injunction to stop a person from further uploading/sharing and to compel certain acts (within legal bounds).

4) Protection Orders (RA 9262, if applicable) If the offender is a spouse/ex/intimate partner within RA 9262 coverage, protection orders can be a powerful, fast protective remedy.

Goal 2: Identify the uploader and preserve proof

Digital evidence vanishes quickly. Remedies here are about preservation and lawful acquisition:

1) Preserve evidence yourself (immediately)

Save URLs, usernames, timestamps, and copies of the post
Screenshot the post and comments
Record screen captures showing the account, URL, and content
Preserve chat messages/threats
Keep devices/accounts intact (do not wipe)

2) Use the Rules on Electronic Evidence / cybercrime procedures In cybercrime-related complaints, law enforcement and prosecutors can seek court authority to:

preserve computer data,
obtain subscriber information,
secure traffic/transaction data,
and lawfully seize and forensically examine devices.

Important: In the Philippines, compelled disclosure and device/account searches typically require proper legal processes (warrants/court orders). Victims should avoid “hacking back” or illegally accessing accounts, which can create liability.

Goal 3: Punish the offender (criminal cases)

You can file a criminal complaint, depending on the scenario:

Common charging paths:

RA 9995 (non-consensual distribution of intimate content)
RA 10175 (cybercrime angles and procedures; plus cyber-related offenses)
RA 10173 (data privacy offenses, if applicable)
RA 9262 (if intimate partner violence against a woman/child)
RA 11313 (gender-based online sexual harassment)
RA 9775 (if a minor is involved)

Where to file / who to approach (typical routes):

Office of the City/Provincial Prosecutor (for complaint-affidavit filing)
PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group / NBI Cybercrime Division (for assistance, referral, and digital forensics support)
Women and Children Protection Desks (especially for VAWC and child-related matters)
NPC for data privacy complaints (administrative track)

What you generally need to start:

Complaint-affidavit narrating facts chronologically
Evidence attachments (screenshots, links, messages, affidavits of witnesses)
Identification of suspect (if known) or identifiers (account handles, numbers, emails)

Goal 4: Get compensation (civil remedies)

Even if a criminal case is ongoing or not pursued, victims may seek civil damages.

Common civil law bases:

Civil Code provisions on human relations and abuse of rights (often used for privacy harms and humiliating conduct)
Right to privacy / damages for intrusion and causing mental anguish
Moral damages (for emotional distress, humiliation)
Exemplary damages (to deter egregious conduct)
Actual damages (therapy costs, lost income, relocation/security costs, etc., if supported)

Victims can also seek civil remedies to compel deletion and restrain further dissemination (injunction), depending on the facts and feasibility.

Goal 5: Correct or remove personal data (privacy-focused remedies)

Under the Data Privacy Act framework, victims can:

file a complaint with the NPC,
seek orders requiring cessation of unlawful processing,
pursue accountability for negligent disclosure by companies/schools/employers.

This is especially useful when:

the uploader is an organization or employee acting within an organization,
the harm involves unauthorized sharing of records (e.g., CCTV, workplace footage, school recordings),
or there are systemic security failures.

V. Special Scenarios and How Remedies Change

Scenario A: “Revenge porn” by an ex / leaked sex video

Most common combination:

RA 9995 (core)
RA 9262 (if victim is a woman and relationship qualifies)
RA 10175 (for cyber procedures, possibly cyber-related offenses)
Civil damages + injunction

Scenario B: Secretly recorded video (hidden camera, bathroom, private room)

Strongly points to RA 9995, plus:

potential additional criminal charges depending on circumstances,
civil damages for intrusion and emotional harm.

Scenario C: Sextortion (threat: “Pay/comply or I’ll upload”)

Potentially involves:

coercion/threat-related crimes,
extortion-type conduct,
cybercrime procedures,
plus RA 9995 if distribution occurs (or attempted distribution can still matter factually).

Scenario D: Workplace/school sharing (group chat humiliation)

Often involves:

Safe Spaces Act (gender-based sexual harassment),
employer/school administrative proceedings,
Data Privacy Act issues (especially if taken from CCTV or official records),
civil damages.

Scenario E: Deepfake or manipulated sexual video

Even without “real” footage, victims may pursue:

cyber harassment and defamation-type claims depending on captions/context,
privacy and emotional harm civil claims,
possibly Safe Spaces Act if used as gender-based sexual harassment,
Data Privacy Act angles if personal data is processed unlawfully. (Which exact criminal charge fits best is very fact-dependent.)

Scenario F: Minor is in the video

Treat as urgent. Potentially triggers:

Anti-Child Pornography / child sexual exploitation laws,
immediate law enforcement involvement,
protective interventions and victim support. This scenario is in a different seriousness category.

VI. Procedure: What a Typical Case Looks Like (High-Level)

Step 1: Secure safety and stop spread

Ask trusted people not to share further
Lock down accounts (change passwords, enable 2FA)
Report/takedown requests to platforms

Step 2: Preserve evidence

Capture screenshots with visible URL/time/account
Save messages/threats
Keep original devices and accounts intact
Consider having a witness who can later execute an affidavit confirming what was seen

Step 3: Choose legal track(s)

Many victims pursue parallel tracks:

Criminal complaint (RA 9995 / RA 9262 / etc.)
Civil damages + injunction
NPC complaint (privacy)
Workplace/school administrative case

Step 4: File complaint-affidavit

Sworn narrative
Evidence annexes
Identify respondent or provide digital identifiers

Step 5: Investigation and court processes

Prosecutor evaluation (probable cause)
Cyber warrants/court orders (if needed to identify suspect or seize evidence)
Filing of Information in court if probable cause found
Trial/settlement/plea bargaining outcomes depend on law and facts

VII. Evidence and Practical Tips That Often Make or Break Cases

1) Document the “without consent” element

Evidence that helps:

messages showing you refused permission,
absence of any agreement to post,
proof the video was shared beyond intended recipients,
admissions by uploader,
circumstances showing expectation of privacy.

2) Prove identity and linkage to account/device

account registration ties,
phone numbers/emails used,
consistent identifiers,
device possession,
forensic extraction results (through lawful processes).

3) Maintain chain of custody

Avoid altering files. Keep originals. Where possible:

store copies in write-protected media,
document dates and how evidence was obtained.

4) Be careful with “counter-posting”

Reposting the video to “prove it exists” can worsen harm and may create legal risks. Use redacted screenshots and safe documentation instead.

VIII. Possible Defenses Offenders Raise (and How Law Typically Views Them)

“You agreed to be recorded”

Consent to record ≠ consent to publish. Distribution can still be illegal.

“It’s already public”

Prior leaks don’t automatically give a new uploader the right to repost; reposting can be a fresh act causing new harm.

“Freedom of speech”

Speech is protected, but not absolute—privacy rights, anti-voyeurism protections, harassment laws, and child protection laws can lawfully restrict harmful dissemination.

“It’s for entertainment / no malicious intent”

Some offenses focus on the act (recording/distribution without consent) rather than a claimed lack of malice, though intent can affect charging and damages.

IX. What Relief Can You Realistically Expect?

Rapid relief (days to weeks)

Platform takedowns (variable)
Protection orders (RA 9262, where applicable)
TRO/injunction in some civil cases

Medium-term (months)

Prosecutor findings and filing in court
NPC investigation progress (if applicable)
Employer/school administrative sanctions

Long-term (months to years)

Full criminal trial resolution
Civil damages adjudication

Because digital content replicates quickly, success often looks like:

stopping the original source,
reducing visibility,
deterring reuploads via enforcement,
holding the primary offender accountable,
and obtaining protection/compensation.

X. Quick Guide: Which Remedy Fits Which Situation?

Intimate video posted without consent → RA 9995 + cyber procedures; add civil damages; add RA 9262 if intimate partner and victim is woman/child.
Threatened with upload (sextortion) → coercion/threat/possibly extortion + cyber procedures; RA 9995 if distribution occurs.
Workplace/school humiliation → Safe Spaces Act + admin case; Data Privacy Act if official footage/records involved.
Minor involved → child exploitation framework (urgent), law enforcement and child protection response.
Company leaked CCTV/private recordings → Data Privacy Act + civil damages + possible criminal angles depending on content.

XI. Final Notes

Non-consensual sharing of videos is not treated as a single “one-size-fits-all” offense in the Philippines. Instead, victims typically combine:

rapid harm reduction (takedown, safety, preservation),
criminal accountability (RA 9995 and companions),
protective court orders (especially under RA 9262 when available),
civil damages and injunctions, and
privacy enforcement (NPC).

If you want, describe the scenario in a few lines (type of video, how it was obtained, who posted it, relationship, and whether the subject is a minor). I can map the most likely Philippine remedies and the cleanest filing strategy without needing names or identifying details.