Metadata, the company that owns Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, has taken strong action against cybercriminals by removing 1,600 Facebook groups connected to online fraudsters called “Yahoo Boys.” This action comes after a similar cleanup in July, when 7,200 Facebook assets were removed, and is part of the company’s continuous efforts to fight cybercrime.
The removed groups were involved in organising, recruiting, and training new scammers, and were taken down according to Metadata’s policy on dangerous organisations and individuals. Additionally, 63,000 Instagram accounts in Nigeria linked to financial sextortion scams have also been removed.
To better protect users, especially teenagers, Metadata has added several safety measures. These include blocking suspicious accounts from following teens, restricting access to follower lists, preventing screenshots and recordings of disappearing photos and videos, and introducing a nudity protection feature in Instagram direct messages.
These steps are being taken as concerns about online scams and sextortion grow, with serious effects. Metadata is committed to keeping users safe from cybercriminals and regularly improving its security.
