In pictures: How did Imsha Rehman go viral so quickly?

Pakistani TikTok sensation Imsha Rehman has shut down her social media accounts following the leak of private videos, causing a storm of criticism and public scrutiny.

The footage, which allegedly depicts Rehman in an embarrassing scenario with a friend, quickly spread like wildfire across multiple platforms, including WhatsApp, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, raising fresh alarms about the safety and confidentiality of online influencers.

As the videos circulated, some social media users seized the opportunity to create memes, further intensifying the situation. While some rallied behind Rehman, others speculated that the leak might be a calculated publicity stunt. In the face of mounting backlash, Rehman opted to disappear from the digital stage, deactivating her TikTok account and posting a short message that revealed the emotional impact the incident had on her.

Sources hint that Rehman’s account could have been compromised, leading to the unauthorized release of the videos, marking the second high-profile leak involving a Pakistani influencer in recent weeks. Back in October, fellow TikTok star Minahil Malik also became a target when a private video surfaced online.

These incidents underscore the increasing fragility of digital influencers, prompting concerns about online security and how easily personal moments can be exposed. For influencers, the consequences of such breaches can be far-reaching, affecting both their private lives and professional trajectories.

Rehman’s ordeal highlights the larger challenges faced by digital stars, who are often exposed to cyberattacks despite their massive online presence. This incident, along with others, acts as a wake-up call about the dangers influencers face in the digital age, where the lines between public and private life are increasingly difficult to distinguish.

A native of Lahore, Rehman, born October 7, 2002, started her social media journey on Instagram, sharing lifestyle and fashion content before moving to TikTok, where her captivating personality earned her a huge following. By 2024, she had accumulated 12.1 million likes on the platform, cementing her position as one of Pakistan’s top digital influencers.

With a reported net worth of about USD 500,000, Rehman’s success in the digital arena has enabled her to secure profitable brand partnerships, establishing her as a major player in Pakistan’s influencer-driven marketing industry. Despite the recent scandal, her influence remains substantial, highlighting the financial gains—and hazards—of a career in the digital world.

These recurring security breaches emphasize the fragile nature of privacy for influencers, with incidents like Rehman’s acting as a sharp reminder of the urgent need for stronger protection in the online space.