Violated by photographs on internet
Family and friends affected by photos that end up on anonymous website
It wasn’t on Laine Smith’s radar that her photo could end up on an anonymous photo sharing website along with dozens of photos of naked women and girls from P. E. I.
But there was a catch. She wasn’t naked. She was fully clothed, wearing a tank- top and leggings.
“I guess there was a little bit of ‘ side boob’ in the photo. But I never expected to get calls from my friends [ about] a photo of me fully clothed on the website.”
Smith learned about the photo in late March and has tried contacting the website’s proprietors to have the photo taken down.
“I haven’t heard if it was taken down. I also went to police about the issue, but I don’t feel much is being done about it.”
Smith, a 20- year- old from Charlottetown, says she felt violated and uncomfortable.
“It was a total invasion of privacy. What’s worse is that my full name was listed in the caption of the uploaded photo – ‘ Laine Smith side boob’.” Smith says the ramifications of the incident have seeped into all aspects of her life.
“I work at a Robin’s in Charlottetown. One night I was
working and the person who I believe uploaded my photo came into the establishment. He took photos of me while I was working, came up to the desk and paid for his order.” Smith says she told her manager about the photo previously, so when the man came into the establishment, her
manager stayed close by her side.
“She put her arm around my shoulders and told him that he wasn’t allowed back on the property.”
The person has also messaged her on social media sites multiple times.
Smith says she is always on edge and worried she will run into him.
“It’s definitely taken a toll on my mental health. I’ve completely isolated myself. I go to work, come home and lay in bed go to sleep and then get back up when I have to go back in for my next shift. That’s all.”
By her side through the ordeal has been her long- time friend Sarah MacEachern, sister Lauren and mom Colleen Larter.
“It was pretty disturbing to see Laine’s photo on that site,” said MacEachern, who has known Smith for nine years. “My sister’s photo had actually been uploaded to that site too. The site is really disgusting.” MacEachern says she worries about her friend’s mental health and safety every day.
“I know she’s had run- ins at her work and I know she’s really isolated herself recently, so I’m worried for her. The fact that the photo is even up there, I can’t wrap my head around.”
Larter, Smith’s mom, says it’s affected her and her other daughter, 18- year- old Lauren. “Seeing your daughter’s photo displayed is sickening. It affects the whole family. We’re a family of three women… It’s put us all on edge.
“It’s made me pretty anxious and it’s very stressful. And you can’t help but feel for the other girls and families who are dealing with this too.” Lauren added, “I’m scared if it could happen to me. But I’m also scared for Laine. It’s very intimidating and I’m worried… about posting just regular photos on social media now.”