Anger is sweeping Italy following the removal of a Facebook group that shared non-consensual intimate images of women, often captured without their knowledge. The group, named Mia Moglie, which translates to "My Wife" in English, had amassed around 32,000 members before being disbanded this week, eliciting a strong reaction from the public and officials alike.
Reports indicate that the group was dedicated to sharing intimate photographs of women, frequently featuring them in vulnerable situations such as while asleep or during private moments. Accompanying these images were disturbing comments from men, including threats of sexual violence and explicit commentary regarding the women depicted. The disturbing nature of the posts has left many, including author Carolina Capria, feeling "nauseous" and alarmed.
European Greens party member Fiorella Zabatta denounced the group's activities as "not just harmless fun," instead labeling it as a form of "virtual rape." She called for collective action from both civil society and political entities to combat the pervasive toxic masculinity displayed in these online platforms.
Since Italy made revenge porn illegal in 2019, there have been over a thousand reports filed with police regarding this particular Facebook group alone, indicating a rise in awareness and concern over such digital offenses. In a statement, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, reinforced its commitment to not tolerating content that promotes sexual violence or exploitation on its platforms.
Analysts have drawn parallels between this incident and the infamous Pelicot case in France, highlighting the underlying issue of men perceiving control over their partners. Capria pointed out the troubling connections between virtual and physical violence, suggesting that the troubling attitudes exhibited in both instances reflect a deeper societal issue regarding women's autonomy and safety in both the real and digital realms.
