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Increasing numbers of social media users report being blackmailed on social media following their sharing of sensitive and personal information. However, little is known about this emerging crime and its victims. Using a survey of adult WhatsApp users in Oman (n = 1452) and interviews (n = 18) with victims and Omani criminal justice professionals, this study addresses this gap by examining the prevalence of blackmail among adult WhatsApp users arising from their voluntary self-disclosures, as well as the characteristics and vulnerabilities of those who fall victim to this activity. New insights are also offered into the factors influencing victim's decisions to report their experiences to criminal justice professionals, as well as the challenges associated with investigating and prosecuting this activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing numbers of people fall victim to blackmail on social media. Yet, there has been little attempt to synthesise research on this topic. This study seeks to address this gap by investigating what is currently known about blackmail and the disclosure of sensitive information on social media. Two rapid reviews were conducted and based on their findings those who disclose more information, are younger, female and willing to use social media to create and distribute images are more likely to fall victim to blackmail on social media. However, worry about privacy and the possibility of becoming a victim of blackmail on social media did not necessarily prevent the disclosure of sensitive information. The implications of these findings for interventions and future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]