SOCIALS

We use lots of different online accounts to stay connected: social media (e.g. Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and X), messaging (e.g. WhatsApp and Signal), and video calling apps (e.g. Zoom, FaceTime, and Microsoft Teams).

If someone has access to these accounts, they might be able to read your messages, impersonate you, lock you out of your accounts, or access private information such as location data. Sometimes when in a relationship, we might share our login IDs and passwords or log on to these accounts from a partner’s device. This can put you at risk as your former partner could access your accounts and use this information against you.

FOLLOW THESE STEPS TO SECURE YOUR ACCOUNTS AFTER A BREAKUP:

Review your linked devices and login history

• If you find evidence that someone else has been accessing your account, you can take a screenshot of this and sign out of any devices that aren’t yours.
• Change your password and set up two-factor authentication – Many of us use the same passwords across different accounts, and they are often very easy to guess.
• Change your password to something long and strong, like a phrase or random words put together. Include numbers and special characters.
• Check your recovery details to see that the details are your own, and that the email address and phone number you have linked to your account are secure.Block your former partner from contacting you via email. This can be done through your email settings.

Check your privacy settings

• Take control of who can see your profile, add you as a friend, comment on your posts, and more, depending on the account.
• Block, unfriend, or report if you no longer want to communicate or view the abuser’s profile.
• Use other features such as muting and restricting to reduce your contact with anyone you don’t want to see on your socials but not permanently delete.
• Ensure you report any online harassment or anything breaking community standards to the platform.
• Think about your privacy before you post/link.
• These apps often encourage you to “share” updates with others by linking to other social media and posting there. Consider not linking to your wellbeing and fitness apps as this can give away your location.

For more in-depth information on securing your social media accounts, check out our Tech Safety and Privacy Toolkit.

Caution: Please note that if someone else has access to your account, they may be notified of these changes. Some abusers may escalate their violence. Control and coercion may make some of these steps neither possible nor safe. If you have children or other dependents, you might consider going through some of these steps with their technology and accounts as well. To develop a safety plan, visit www.sheltersafe.ca to find a safe, confidential program in your community.