Meta Introduces New Measures to Tackle Sextortion Scammers
- October 23, 2024
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In response to the alarming rise of sextortion scams on its platforms, Meta has introduced a series of new measures to combat this rapidly growing cybercrime. Sextortion, which has become one of the fastest-growing online threats, targets vulnerable users on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. To protect users, especially teens, Meta has rolled out new solutions aimed at preventing these scams from taking hold.
Enhanced Detection and Connection Warnings
Meta’s first line of defense involves enhanced detection measures to identify and highlight suspicious accounts. One of the key changes involves a new feature for Instagram connection requests, particularly those sent to teen users.
Take a look at the Instagram screenshots above, where you’ll notice that new connection requests sent to teen users now include details such as how long the account has been active, whether it’s based in the same country or abroad, and whether you share any mutual followers.
This information will give users, especially teenagers, the ability to make more informed decisions about accepting new connections. By flagging potential concerns early, Meta hopes to prevent scammers from establishing contact in the first place, making it harder for sextortion scams to take root.
Restricting Access to Follower Lists
Another key measure introduced by Meta aims to curb scammers’ access to follower lists. Scammers often exploit this feature to gather personal information about their targets, which can be used to pressure or blackmail them. Now, accounts flagged for suspicious or scam-like behavior will have restricted access to a user’s followers and following lists.
According to Meta:
“Sextortion scammers often use the following and follower lists of their targets to try and blackmail them. Now, accounts we detect as showing signals of scammy behavior won’t be able to see people’s followers or following lists, removing their ability to exploit this feature.”
This new restriction is expected to limit scammers’ ability to identify and exploit potential victims.
Strengthened Privacy for Sensitive Media
To further protect users, Meta is also introducing a range of new privacy controls related to media sharing. The platform is adding the ability to block screenshots and screen recordings of ephemeral images or videos, which are temporary by nature. This measure aims to prevent sextortion scammers from capturing sensitive content to use as leverage.
Additionally, Meta is extending its blur feature for detected nude images. This feature, which will be enabled by default for users under 18, will automatically blur images that contain nudity when sent or received via Instagram Direct Messages. Users will be warned about the risks of sharing sensitive images, providing an extra layer of caution and protection for teens.
Expanding Educational Resources
In a broader effort to educate and protect users, Meta is expanding its partnerships with organizations like the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) and Thorn, both of which specialize in combatting online child exploitation. Through these partnerships, Meta will offer new educational resources aimed at helping teens understand the risks of sextortion and how to protect themselves online.
Conclusion
Meta’s new initiatives represent a proactive approach to tackling sextortion scams, which have been plaguing social media users, especially teens. By enhancing detection methods, restricting access to sensitive features, and bolstering privacy controls, Meta aims to disrupt the activities of scammers before they can exploit users. Additionally, through partnerships and educational resources, the company hopes to foster a safer online environment for its younger audience.