A disturbing underground market for objectionable photos and videos has emerged on Facebook and Telegram, where secret and public groups are allegedly running pornography businesses worth millions. Although social media has become an essential platform for communication and information sharing in the digital age, it is increasingly turning into a source of fear and insecurity for citizens. From celebrities to ordinary people, many are becoming victims of cyber exploitation.
Experts warn that unless urgent measures are taken, this growing “antisocial culture” on social media could spread uncontrollably. They stress the need for re-socialization, digital ethics education, and especially laws regulating the use of artificial intelligence (AI).
These activities are not only threatening individuals and families but are also posing a serious danger to social morality and public safety.
Sociology Professor Salma Akhter of Dhaka University said, “All forms of crime are spreading through social media. The time has come to teach proper use of these platforms from childhood. We need to establish and widely promote ‘netizen etiquette.’ Just as we learn social norms for living in society, similar standards must apply online as well. Laws governing AI usage should be introduced urgently.”
She added that both men and women across the country are now victims of online abuse. According to her, awareness, moral education, and proper enforcement of laws are essential to address the crisis. Families and educational institutions must encourage responsible social media use, while users should avoid sharing unverified information and respect the privacy and dignity of others.
Cybercrime Rings Targeting Students
On April 27, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested several members of a cybercrime gang accused of blackmailing school, college, and university students after stealing their personal photos and videos. Using Telegram, the group allegedly extorted money from victims. Five members, including the ringleader, were arrested that day, while another suspect involved in similar crimes was detained in Mirpur. Authorities believe hundreds of such gangs are operating nationwide.
Investigators say these groups obtain private photos and data through hacking Facebook accounts and phones, collecting materials from former partners after breakups, or exploiting personal rivalries. Victims are then threatened with the publication of their photos and videos through secret Telegram channels unless they pay large sums of money.
At the same time, AI-generated fake videos of celebrities are reportedly spreading across Facebook and other platforms, fueling widespread concern over unethical online activities.
Student Targeted Through Religious Hate Campaign
On April 29, a public Facebook group allegedly used the photo of Daffodil International University student Swarnali Mondal Tushi in a post designed to incite religious hatred. The post, published in a group with around 40 members, was later copied and spread through hundreds of bot accounts. Feeling helpless and humiliated, Tushi filed a complaint with Uttara East Police Station.
Tushi said someone may have carried out the act with the intention of causing her personal harm.
“The post portrayed me as a Hindu woman who was ‘love-trapping’ Muslim female friends and trying to convert them away from Islam,” she said. “As a result, both I and my friends faced an extremely unpleasant situation. The posts were repeatedly shared in large religious groups.”
Paid “Premium” Channels Selling Explicit Content
Authorities also identified another online group with more than 150,000 members that has reportedly been active for over a year. The group publishes between 50 and 100 posts daily, often using provocative captions directing users to Telegram channels. The channels usually share only partial clips to attract attention, while offering full videos through paid “premium” subscriptions.
Sources say AI-generated obscene content using the images of popular actresses including veteran actress Aupee Karim and rising star Tasnia Farin is being circulated widely on Facebook pages and Telegram groups. Many artists have publicly expressed frustration on social media, saying they have received no effective remedy.
Experts Call for Stronger Cybersecurity Measures
White-hat hacker Tanvir Ahmed Sumon, who provides freelance security services to organizations in the United States and Europe, said awareness and law enforcement regarding cyber abuse are much stronger abroad.
“In comparison, Bangladesh is still far behind technologically,” he said. He emphasized the need for law enforcement agencies to become more skilled and technologically advanced. “AI-generated videos of more than 80 percent of the country’s female entertainers are circulating across Facebook and Telegram. Authorities should collaborate with white-hat hackers and talented IT specialists nationwide.”
NM Nasiruddin, Deputy Commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police said cybercrime is increasing rapidly across the country.
“Our limitations are significant,” he admitted. “Our officers are trying to train themselves and provide legal support to victims. But to effectively combat cybercrime, there should be a dedicated force similar to the police, equipped with advanced technical training throughout the year. Technology evolves every day.”
He further noted that many hidden Facebook and Telegram groups are now openly involved in buying and selling objectionable photos and videos. “An unethical syndicate is using social media as a platform for easy money. Private and explicit videos are being distributed through secret groups in exchange for payment,” he said.
Growing Concern Among Parents and Teachers
Parents in the capital say many teenagers and young adults are becoming addicted to social media, often staying online deep into the night. This is affecting not only their studies but also their mental health and social behavior.
Teachers warn that harmful online culture is gradually pushing young people toward violence and antisocial activities. Experts also point out that women are suffering the most from the misuse of technology, facing blackmail, defamation, and harassment through the abuse of personal photos and videos.
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI
