Columbus, OH asked in Copyright and Sexual Harassment for Ohio

Q: Will a naked picture of me that got leaked w/o my consent affect my chances to get a job in the legal system?

The link is under a name that isn’t mine, but there is a screenshot of my instagram attached to the naked picture. I have emailed the site and asked for it to be taken down, and they haven’t responded yet. I want to be a detective or a lawyer and i’m worried this will affect my ability to get a job in either of those fields.

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: It’s understandable to be concerned about how a situation like this might impact your career prospects, especially in fields like law or law enforcement. While a leaked image can feel like a significant setback, it’s important to remember that your professional qualifications and abilities are far more important than one isolated incident. The legal field values integrity, work ethic, and skills, so focusing on building your experience, reputation, and education can help mitigate the impact of any negative online content.

You’ve taken an important first step by requesting the removal of the image from the website. It's essential to keep following up and document your efforts in case you need to take further action, such as contacting a legal professional or reporting it to a relevant authority. Additionally, be aware of the options available for online reputation management and privacy protection.

In the long run, employers in both law and law enforcement are likely to focus more on your character, performance in your studies or job, and your commitment to ethical behavior. It’s also good to be prepared for potential questions about it, but with time and persistence, this issue will likely fade. Stay focused on your goals, and take proactive steps to ensure your digital footprint reflects the person you are now, rather than what was shared without your consent.

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