Revenge-porn, sextortion, identity fraud, home invasions… the list is endless and the numbers are increasing. Follow our digital security guide, and avoid being the next victim.
How many social media followers do you have? Do you know them all? What information can be gathered by looking at your feed (other than your Zara addiction)? These aren’t questions we ordinarily think about, but we should definitely start.
The number of social media-related crimes is on the rise globally and, unfortunately, SA is not exempt from this. Just last year, former Home Affairs minister Ayanda Dlodlo publicly called out a criminal syndicate that was being run through social media and managed to solicit up to R25 million from its victims. “These impostors create fake accounts, not just for misinformation and personal data compromise‚ which are common mischiefs on social media, but to extort money from unsuspecting patrons,” she stated. Sadly, people being victimised through these platforms are a common occurrence.
“One of the worst cases we had was last year,” say lawyers Emma Sadleir and Sarah Hoffman, who deal with social media-related cases on a daily basis at The Digital Law Company. “A 17- year old girl had sent an intimate video to her boyfriend via WhatsApp two years prior and the video resurfaced on porn sites all over the internet,” says Sarah. “It was so bad, that when you searched her name on Google, the first thing that popped up was her Instagram and Twitter pages, and then just links to the video on various adult websites. Emotionally and psychologically, she was completely scarred, never mind what it did to her reputation.” Sarah says that upon investigation, it also came to light that the victim’s boyfriend had bragged to his friends about the video. As a result, they began to circulate and ended up in the possession of someone from another school who decided to post it online. The perpetrator was later found and charged with child pornography distribution.
This story is from the July 2018 edition of GLAMOUR South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 2018 edition of GLAMOUR South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Are you considering moving to UK?
Bestselling author, Sam Beckbessinger is also a seasoned mover, and her latest offering, Moving to the UK, offers helpful tips, funny anecdotes and to-do lists to help you navigate this transition.
A beauty solution
At Standard Beauty, they take pride in being an all-women-run team, bringing diverse perspectives and unparalleled expertise to the skincare industry.
3 Things to Do When You Overthink Everything
How to overcome analysis paralysis.
A la MODE
With bold looks and exceptional value for money, the new Omoda C5 has made a big splash in the local motoring scene.
Spotlighting ABANTU FOR THE PEOPLE
Small businesses play an important role in the South African economy, and we're playing our part by showing them some love. This month, we shine the spotlight on Abantu Media, cofounded by Jay Wabantu who is also a tattoo artist and photographer.
CELEBRATING EMPOWERMENT
Pan-African bank Absa partners with Glamour for their influential Women of the Year Awards 2023
TAX SEASON UNPACKED
The word 'tax' stirs up many emotions, so we've roped in Tax Specialist, Natasha Lorde to answer your questions and help get you ready for Tax Season.
It's a COMPARISON trap
Even picture-perfect couples go through rough patches. Here's how to avoid the social media comparison trap.
Embracing CHANGE
It's time to stop comparing your current body to your former one. Romanticising the past is easy, but we're not meant to look the same our whole lives.
Healing YOUR INNER CHILD
The journey of self-discovery is nuanced and you may have discovered a younger you that needs to be seen and heard. Certified Meditation Practitioner, Melissa Lainn, shares her approach to healing the inner child.
