Sri Lanka social media abuse investigations widen after two arrests over alleged sales of women’s and children’s images and AI-generated obscene content.
Sri Lanka social media abuse investigations have widened after police arrested two young men over allegations involving the online sale and distribution of private and obscene images of women and children.
The Sri Lanka Police and Ministry of Women and Child Affairs are also examining reports of obscene material created using Artificial Intelligence and shared through social media networks.
Authorities say two suspects have so far been taken into custody during separate operations.
Sri Lanka Social Media Abuse Case Reaches Court
A 22-year-old youth was produced before Colombo Additional Magistrate Oshadha Migara Maharachchi on August 28 over allegations that he sold obscene photographs of women and children for money through a fake Facebook account and group.
Police told court that the alleged activity had continued for about two years.
After considering the submissions, the Magistrate ordered the suspect released on two sureties of Rs. 100,000 each.
Chief Police Inspector Nimali Sharomali, Officer-in-Charge of the Child and Women’s Bureau, was among the officers who reported facts to court.
Police said the suspect had administered a social media group containing more than 8,000 members.
Meanwhile, the Police Child and Women Abuse Prevention and Investigation Bureau arrested another 21-year-old youth in Beliatta.
Authorities allege that he operated Facebook groups which posted obscene images of women and children.
Police also took into custody the mobile phone allegedly used for those activities.
Fake Accounts and Overseas Links Under Investigation
The Ministry of Women and Child Affairs says it is giving special attention to the alleged sale of personal information, photographs and videos involving women and children.
Preliminary investigations indicate that some people using fake social media accounts may even have attempted to sell photographs and videos of close relatives and family members.
Authorities have also identified indications that many of the groups under investigation are operated from overseas.
Further inquiries have therefore been referred to the Computer Crimes Investigation Division of the Criminal Investigation Department.
Investigators are also examining the use of AI technology to generate obscene material, widening the inquiry beyond the unauthorised circulation of existing photographs.
Public Asked to Report Suspicious Activity
Police and the Ministry have asked the public to assist investigations and report suspected online exploitation or illegal distribution of private material.
The Computer Crimes Investigation Division can be contacted at dir.cid@police.gov.lk or 011 2381058.
The toll-free Child Helpline is 1929, while the Women’s Helpline is 1938.
Sri Lanka CERT can also be contacted through report@cert.gov.lk or hotline 101.
Authorities have urged parents to closely monitor children’s internet and social media activity.
They also advise anyone affected by such incidents to seek appropriate assistance, including psychosocial counselling where necessary.
Official information is available through Sri Lanka Police, Sri Lanka CERT, the National Child Protection Authority and the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs.
As the Sri Lanka social media abuse investigation expands, authorities are focusing on identifying those behind the networks, tracing overseas connections and preventing further exploitation of women and children online.
