Facebook asks users to send in nude photos

Facebook ’ s latest attempt to wipe revenge porn off its platform : asking users to send their own nude photos .
The Australian government ’ s Office of the eSafety Commissioner announced it is joining a pilot programme with Facebook to prevent intimate images of users from appearing against their will on the social network ’ s platform .
The unusual catch: users worried an inappropriate image might appear on Facebook ’ s platforms are asked to send an intimate image via Messenger , a preventive measure designed to flag the images before they ’ re shared .
Facebook did not respond to requests for comment.
According to the eSafety Office , if a Facebook user in Australia is concerned about an intimate image spreading online, they fill out a form , then send the image to themselves using Messenger .
Once Facebook is notified, they use image - matching technology to prevent anyone from sharing it on their platforms .
“ This partnership gives Australians a unique opportunity to proactively inoculate themselves from future image - based abuse by coming to our portal and reporting tool, ” said Julie Inman Grant, Australia’ s eSafety Commissioner, in a statement .
The limited pilot programme is available in three other countries : the U. S . , U. K. , and Canada .
In April, Facebook detailed plans to fight revenge porn , including an artificial intelligence tool capable of matching photos to prevent them from appearing on platforms like Messenger or Instagram .
“ These tools , developed in partnership with global safety experts , are one example of how we ’ re using new technology to keep people safe and prevent harm , ” said Antigone Davis , Facebook ’ s head of global safety , in a statement .
According to Australia’ s eSafety office , one in five Australians has faced image - based abuse, where an intimate photo has been posted to social media without their consent.
“ This pilot has the potential to disable the control and power perpetrators hold over victims , particularly in cases of ex - partner retribution and sextortion , and the subsequent harm that could come to them, ” said Inman Grant .