Sri Lanka's Computer Emergency Readiness Team has responded to complaints about Facebook, Telegram and WhatsApp groups dedicated to sharing intimate photographs without consent, escalating cases to Meta for content removal and investigation.
Sri Lankan authorities have intensified efforts to combat a growing problem of non-consensual intimate image sharing on social media platforms. According to Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) Chief Information Officer Nirosh Ananda, the organization has received numerous complaints involving leaked personal photographs, including explicit and semi-explicit images, predominantly targeting women and family members.
The emergence of multiple groups across Facebook, Telegram and WhatsApp dedicated to soliciting, sharing and trading intimate images has sparked public outcry and raised concerns about digital safety in the country. Reports indicate that some users have offered payment for explicit photographs while others encourage the sharing of private images of family members and colleagues without authorization. Cybersecurity experts characterize these activities as image-based abuse, online harassment and privacy violations that can facilitate blackmail and extortion.
In response, SLCERT has collected group links and complaints from the public and escalated them directly to Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, for immediate content removal and identification of those responsible. Meta's policies explicitly prohibit sharing or threatening to share intimate images without consent. Ananda assured the public that individuals filing complaints will have their privacy protected and confidentiality safeguarded.
Authorities are urging Sri Lankans to report such groups and content through [email protected] or via www.cert.gov.lk. Experts warn that image-based sexual abuse remains one of the fastest-growing forms of online exploitation globally, with victims frequently experiencing emotional distress, reputational damage and intimidation. Support services including the Women and Children Bureau and National Child Protection Authority have been made available to those affected by such abuse.
