Police Hunt Toxic Social Media Groups Targeting Women and Children

COLOMBO (News 1st): Sri Lanka Police have launched an intensified crackdown on a growing wave of harmful social media activity following concerns over the increasing circulation of photographs, manipulated images and AI-generated videos that promote the exploitation and abuse of women and children.

Authorities say the trend has become increasingly common in recent months, particularly through Facebook groups and social media communities where offensive and exploitative content is being shared, distributed and promoted.

The development comes amid growing public concern over online safety, digital exploitation, cyber harassment and the misuse of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, which experts warn are creating new avenues for abuse and victimisation in the digital space.

Police said the Computer Crime Investigation Division (CCID) has already begun identifying Facebook accounts and online groups involved in such activities and is taking steps to disable those accounts while pursuing criminal investigations against individuals responsible for operating them.

The latest breakthrough came with the arrest of a 21-year-old suspect in the Beliatta area, accused of managing Facebook groups in which photographs of women and children were allegedly being shared in an obscene manner.

The arrest was carried out by officers attached to the Police Children and Women Abuse Prevention and Investigation Division, following investigations into online platforms suspected of facilitating the distribution of exploitative content.

According to investigators, the suspect is believed to have operated Facebook communities where photographs of women and children were regularly posted and circulated in ways that violated their dignity and privacy.

Police have taken possession of the suspect's mobile phone as part of the investigation, with digital forensic examinations now underway to determine the extent of the activity, identify potential accomplices and trace any additional platforms or users linked to the operation.

The case has highlighted growing concerns over how social media platforms can be exploited to target vulnerable individuals, particularly women and children, through the sharing of offensive content, manipulated images and digital abuse.

Authorities are urging members of the public to assist investigations by reporting suspicious Facebook pages, online groups and social media accounts believed to be involved in promoting exploitation, abuse or harmful content.

Police also issued specific guidance for those affected by online harassment and damaging social media posts.

Individuals seeking the removal of content that causes distress, reputational harm or personal inconvenience can contact the Computer Crime Investigation Division via [email protected].

Meanwhile, complaints relating to nude photographs, intimate images, compromising videos and other sensitive content that infringes on an individual's privacy can be reported directly to [email protected].

Authorities have further requested anyone with information regarding such activities to contact the Computer Crime Investigation Division on 011 2381058.

With social media platforms continuing to play a central role in everyday life, experts say public vigilance, swift reporting and stronger enforcement will be critical in preventing online abuse and ensuring that digital spaces are not exploited by those seeking to profit from or promote the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.