Outrage in Italy: Social Media Group for Sharing Non-Consensual Images Shut Down

After the removal of the Mia Moglie group from Facebook, outrage has erupted across Italy over the alarming prevalence of non-consensual image sharing, drawing attention to issues of sexual violence and the need for societal change.

In a significant move against digital abuse, Facebook has dissolved a controversial group in Italy known as Mia Moglie, which translates to "My Wife." This group had amassed approximately 32,000 members who shared intimate photos of often unaware women, triggering widespread outrage among the Italian public. The action follows revelations of sexually explicit comments and threats made by members on the platform, including violent intentions towards the women featured.

Its closure was celebrated by many as a necessary step, though concerns linger about the possibility of similar groups forming in its wake. In a statement, Meta, Facebook’s parent company, confirmed the removal, asserting that the group's activities violated their policies against Adult Sexual Exploitation.

Author Carolina Capria, one of the individuals who brought the group to public attention, expressed her deep discomfort, stating that the blatant discussions of violence and sexuality highlight a troubling aspect of Italian culture regarding misogyny. Prominent figures like Fiorella Zabatta from the European Greens have labeled the group's content as "virtual rape," urging both civil society and political entities to combat harmful masculine ideologies.

Following Italy's 2019 legislation that criminalized the sharing of private sexual material, over a thousand complaints regarding the group have reportedly been filed with the cyber crime police. The revelations have drawn comparisons to the notorious Pelicot case from France, reinforcing the call for widespread change in attitudes towards women's rights and digital ethics within society.