WINNIPEG – Manitoba RCMP are apologizing after a post on social warning about the risk of sharing lewd photos. A police Twitter account posted a tweet on Valentine’s Day with the statement “Love doesn’t always last forever, but pictures do! This Valentine’s keep your privates private,” and showed an image covered by the word “censored.”

Several followers and others on social media were quick to call out the message as blaming victims of what’s been called “revenge porn” – those whose intimate images are shared without their consent. The RCMP eventually removed the post.

An RCMP spokesperson says the intent was on raising awareness on how people can protect themselves online, but it was worded incorrectly. Manitoba RCMP media relations officer Sgt. Paul Manaigre apologized for the offence that was caused.

Twitter only gives people 280 characters to get their message across, Manaigre says, “so we felt in order to prevent the continuation of those that want to put a negative spin on it we just figured it’s easier to take it down.”

Manitoba RCMP also tweeted several other warnings on Valentine’s Day, including tips on how to avoid being a victim of fraud.