- Meta has taken action against a Nigerian scam network by removing 63,000 Instagram involved in financial sexual extortion.
- Meta’s removal of scam accounts and disclosure of targeting minors may be seen as damage control amid criticism over prioritising growth over user safety.
OUR TAKE
Meta’s action in removing the scam accounts showcases its response to the protection of cybersecurity, although it is in part due to the increasing stress from the government. The challenges in combating sophisticated online scams persist. The proliferation of such scams highlights the need for international cooperation and requires companies to show initiative in securing the Internet.
–Ashley Wang, BTW reporter
What happened
Meta has taken decisive action against a widespread online scam network originating in Nigeria, removing around 63,000 accounts on Instagram and 7,200 on Facebook. The accounts were involved in financial sexual extortion, or “sextortion,” primarily targeting adult men in the US. This scam involves threatening individuals with the release of compromising images unless they pay to prevent their dissemination.
Meta’s crackdown also included a smaller coordinated network of 2,500 accounts linked to around 20 individuals. These accounts were reportedly used to share tips and scripts for executing scams and provided resources such as fake photo collections for creating fraudulent profiles.
While the majority of these attempts were unsuccessful, Meta noted the concerning targeting of minors, which it reported to the US National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The social media giant emphasised that this disclosure aims to raise awareness of these ongoing threats.
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Why it’s important
Economic despair and a lack of opportunity in Nigeria have driven some to this life of digital deceit. Known locally as “Yahoo boys,” these Nigerian fraudsters have a long history of online scams, including the infamous “419 scams,” named after the penal code section on fraud in Nigeria. The scammers often pose as individuals in financial distress or use fake identities to lure victims.
The operation, in the broader context, showcases increasing scrutiny on social media companies, particularly regarding their role in protecting users from harmful content. The US lawmakers and the Surgeon General have recently criticised platforms like Meta for not doing enough to prevent child exploitation and other abuses.
Although, the action by Meta represents a proactive step in addressing these concerns, Meta’s public disclosure smacks of damage control rather than genuine concern. After all, this is the same company facing global outrage for prioritising growth over user safety.
