Image Theft on Social Media Goes Unreported in Quintana Roo, Officials Say

José María Morelos, Quintana Roo — The theft of women’s images from social media to create fake profiles, often used to offer sexual services, constitutes digital violence, a crime under Mexican law. However, many victims do not report it due to ignorance or fear, according to local authorities.

Bianelly Zapata Borges, coordinator of the Specialized Group for Attention to Family and Gender Violence (GEAVIG) in José María Morelos, said this identity theft has been detected in recent weeks on Facebook groups, the most popular social network in the municipality.

“It’s a crime, it’s digital violence,” she said. “We recommend that women restrict their Facebook profiles so only friends can see their images. If they see their photos used, they should report it to the group administrator.”

Zapata also urged victims to file a complaint with GEAVIG or the State Prosecutor’s Office for digital violence, so that legal action can be taken against those misusing the images. A group administrator who refuses to remove such posts could be considered an accomplice by the prosecutor’s office.

Although the practice appears to have spread throughout José María Morelos, no formal complaints have been filed so far, due to lack of awareness or fear.

Zapata also recommended monitoring minors’ social media use to prevent them from falling victim to unscrupulous individuals.

“I am a mother of young girls and I check their phones, their Facebook, Instagram, everything,” she said. “More than that, as parents we need to build trust so that our children tell us what they find.”