The Ministry of Women and Child Affairs has alerted the Police Children and Women’s Bureau and the Computer Crime Investigation Division to online network involved in buying and selling women’s private images and child sexual abuse material.
In a statement, the Ministry said it had received reports that groups operating mainly on Facebook and other social media platforms were being used to trade the material for money.
The matter has also drawn attention from social media activists, who have circulated posts and videos warning users about the alleged network.
The Ministry said information uncovered during its preliminary inquiries had been referred to the two police divisions for further investigation.
An examination of the groups reportedly found that some individuals were using fake accounts to sell photographs and videos of people close to them. Attempts to distribute images and videos of female family members had also been observed.
The Ministry said many of the groups appeared to be operated from overseas.
Warning that women and children could be exposed to such abuse even within their own homes, the Ministry urged parents to monitor their children’s social media use and remain aware of the people with whom they interact online.
Those who suspect that a family member has become a victim of or involved in such a network may seek psychosocial counselling or legal assistance through the toll-free helplines 1938 and 1929.
The Ministry said it was giving the issue its full attention and would take urgent steps to prevent women and children from becoming victims of online sexual exploitation.
