Instagram would (unwittingly) connect a vast network of online pedophiles

On Instagram there would be a vast network of pedophiles who would be allowed, and in an easy way, to search and exchange child pornography images. Through simple hashtags. This was revealed by a survey by the Wall Street Journal, conducted with the University of Stanford and that of Massachusetts.

The accusation of the newspaper and of the universities is that not only would Instagram host this content, but in some way, through the use of hashtags, it would promote their diffusion. Completely involuntary. But equally effective thanks to the use of keywords highlighted by the recommendation algorithms that govern the platform. Instagram, they write, would “connect pedophiles by guiding them to content promoters through recommendation systems, effective in connecting above all people who share niche interests”.

Content hidden from most, but visible in ‘niches’

Although, it is specified, they are not visible to most users of the platform, the accounts under investigation are still made available. And explicit.

Researchers found that Instagram allowed people to search for hashtags like #pedowhore and #preteensex and linked them to accounts that used those terms to advertise child sexual abuse material for sale. Among other things, these accounts often claim to be run by the children themselves, using sexual descriptions and simulating the way children write.

Obviously, the promotion of sexual contents of minors violates the rules established by Meta and by American federal laws, as well as those of all the states in which the company is present.

Meta, made aware of the discovery by the authors, acknowledged problems in its control operations. You stated that you have created an internal task force to address the issues raised. “Child exploitation is a horrific crime,” the company said. “We are continually investigating ways to actively defend ourselves against this behavior.”