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Facebook Address Revenge Porn Problem

For help with revenge porn or any other kind of digital abuse please follow the links to our various support services at the end of this article.

Facebook have recently introduced new tools to the platform in an effort to stem the non-consensual spread of intimate images. The move is being seen as a benchmark in the fight against so-called ‘revenge porn’ incidents and online sexual blackmail, or ‘sextortion’. Until now, intimate images have easily been shared across the Internet for revenge or blackmail, causing the targets extreme anxiety and distress, with some cases ending tragically in suicide (our Global Support Service can help you with your revenge porn problem).

The new tech allows Facebook to identify and track reported images and to stop those images from being spread, not only on Facebook, but also on Instagram and Messenger. The new tech comes with more tools for account users that will allow them to report any suspect images. Account holders who continue to share these types of images will be notified that the images violate community standards and in most cases will find that their account is also suspended.

Facebook has come under increasing pressure from authorities around the world to provide tools and resources that give people more control over how their personal data is used by others, especially when it is used to cause harm or to abuse and harass. In a statement posted on his own Facebook page, founder Mark Zuckerberg talked about the importance of building online global communities that worked for everyone.

“It is our responsibility to amplify the good effects and mitigate the bad, to continue increasing diversity while strengthening our common understanding so our community can create the greatest positive impact on the world. It’s about whether we’re building a community that helps keep us safe – that prevents harm, helps during crises, and rebuilds afterwards.”

Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook

The sharing of private sexual images and films without the subject’s consent is now illegal in many countries. Most states in the U.S. already have laws in place, as does Europe, while in the UK, anyone convicted of illegally spreading sexual images could face two years in prison.

“We have seen at first hand the damage and devastation caused by the spread of personal and private intimate images. To be able to quickly identify and stop images from going viral will be of huge help to anyone targeted and could potentially save lives.”

Dan Raisbeck, Co-Founder, The Cybersmile Foundation

The major social media platforms appear to be concentrating more and more on developing tools and resources to protect account holders from being targeted in this way. Both Twitter and Facebook have recently made significant improvements and appear to be leading the way in creating new ways of dealing with the challenges of negative and toxic online behavior.

If you are affected by cyberbullying of any kind we can help you! Check out our Cyberbullying and Digital Abuse Help Center or alternatively visit our Total Access Support section to see the various ways we can help you. For further information about Cybersmile and our work, explore the links below.

What are your thoughts on revenge porn and the responsibilities surrounding this issue? tweet us @CybersmileHQ.