Following the removal of a Facebook group that shared non-consensual photos of women, outrage grows in Italy as citizens demand further action against online sexual exploitation and toxic masculinity.
Outrage in Italy Over Online Sharing of Non-Consensual Photos of Women
Outrage in Italy Over Online Sharing of Non-Consensual Photos of Women
The shuttering of an Italian Facebook group for sharing intimate images of women without consent ignites a public outcry against virtual sexual exploitation.
In a troubling revelation, an Italian Facebook group known as "Mia Moglie," which translates to "My Wife," has been dismantled due to its disturbing practice of sharing intimate photos of women without their consent. The group, which gathered around 32,000 members before its removal, sparked significant outrage among the Italian populace concerned about the wider implications of such groups proliferating in its wake. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, confirmed the closure, stating the page violated policies against adult sexual exploitation.
Screenshots prior to the group's removal exposed images of women, some captured in vulnerable states, accompanied by an array of explicit comments from male members. Promisingly, many users expressed violent intentions, while others reflected a warped admiration for the clandestine nature of the shared content. This shocking discovery was publicly condemned by author Carolina Capria, who expressed feelings of "nauseous" fear, highlighting the disturbing normalization of linking violence with sexuality within public social media realms.
Current member of the European Greens party, Fiorella Zabatta, vehemently criticized the situation on social media, labeling it as "virtual rape" and emphasizing the necessity of combating this toxic masculinity through collective action from civil society and lawmakers alike. The sharing of explicit images intended to stay private has been illegal in Italy since 2019, further emphasizing the severe breach of privacy and rights that such online behavior represents.
Reportedly, over a thousand complaints regarding this group have been lodged with Italy's cyber crime police unit. Meta reassured the public that any content promoting or threatening sexual violence, assault, or exploitation is strictly prohibited on its platforms.
The case has drawn alarming comparisons to France's Pelicot case, wherein Dominique Pelicot received a 20-year prison sentence for his heinous acts of drugging and assaulting his wife before encouraging strangers to join in the acts. Capria noted that both instances signify a broader issue of control and oppression linked to male sexuality, urging for urgent societal and political intervention against such cultural perceptions.
