Meta has recently removed 63,000 Instagram accounts linked to sextortion scams, primarily targeting American men. This action is part of a larger effort to combat such scams on the platform. The majority of these accounts were based in Nigeria, and some also targeted minors, according to a company update.
The crackdown is part of Meta’s ongoing initiatives to address sextortion scams. Earlier this year, the company introduced a safety feature in Instagram messages to detect nudity and warn users about potential blackmail threats. Additionally, Meta provides in-app resources and safety tips to help users identify and avoid these scams.
The takedown operation included 2,500 accounts connected to a group of about 20 individuals collaborating on sextortion schemes. Meta also removed numerous accounts and groups on Facebook that offered advice and materials, such as scripts and fake images, to aspiring sextortionists. These accounts were associated with the “Yahoo Boys,” a loosely organized group of cybercriminals operating mainly out of Nigeria, known for various scam activities.
Meta has faced criticism for its handling of such issues, particularly concerning the protection of minors on its platforms. During a Senate hearing earlier this year, Senator Lindsey Graham questioned Mark Zuckerberg about the company’s responsibility in cases where teens fall victim to these scams, highlighting a tragic case involving a child who died by suicide.
While Meta stated that most of the accounts targeted adults, they acknowledged that some were aimed at minors and reported these to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
Featured Image courtesy of DADO RUVIC/REUTERS
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