Cases of sextortion and online sexual extortion are serious issues that require special attention from digital platforms and relevant authorities. Recently, Meta reported that approximately 63,000 Instagram accounts in Nigeria have been removed for their participation in sextortion activities, and thousands of Facebook groups and pages have also been removed for their attempt to organize, recruit and training new crooks.
Sextortion, which involves convincing someone to send explicit photos online and then threatening to make the images public if they do not pay money or obtain sexual favors, is a malicious practice and destructive. Recent cases, such as those involving two Nigerian brothers who pleaded guilty to sextortion of teenagers and young men in Michigan, highlight the seriousness of this issue and its tragic consequences, such as the suicide of a victim.
Meta has identified an increase in sextortion cases in recent years, mainly linked to a malicious group called the Yahoo Boys, operating largely from Nigeria. This organization primarily targets adult men in the United States, Meta has taken proactive measures by removing accounts and groups linked to these illegal activities. These actions are intended to protect users and prevent future criminal acts.
Meta’s focus on protecting young people and combating sextortion is reflected in the deployment of new tools on Instagram, such as the automatic blurring of nudity feature in direct messages. The initiative aims to make it more difficult for criminals to contact teenagers and prevent online image abuse.
Antigone Davis, head of global security at Meta, warns users against messages from people who are “stylized”, “unusually attractive” or unknown, who may seek to gain the trust of vulnerable people. Vigilance is required against online manipulation and extortion attempts, and it is recommended to be cautious and report any suspicious activity.
In summary, combating online sextortion and sexual extortion is a growing challenge for digital platforms and authorities responsible for user protection. Meta takes proactive measures to counter these criminal practices and protect online communities, but awareness, monitoring and collaboration of all stakeholders are essential to prevent these digital abuses and keep users safe.