WARNING: Don't open links in PMs

[noblegiraffe]

A user has reported that they were sent a PM overnight that contained links to child abuse images.

Given recent history, it seems unlikely that they were the only poster to receive a PM.

Follow the advice of Pandora and Noble above- it’s easily done - Thanks to them have switched mine off.
( Easy on a laptop at least!)

Thanks @PandoraSox @noblegiraffe

It's easy on a mobile phone too. No idea re the app. I've never used it.

.. on phone:

human icon top right
settings
once in settings, choose More settings - this is a bar at the top
when in there choose Talk
the option about Private Message is near the bottom, so scroll down
toggle NO at the question Receive Private Messages

Thanks @noblegiraffe and @PandoraSox

Done

Turned mine off now, thanks.

I've reported my post about removing the ability to disguise links to MNHQ but haven't had a response yet.

Were the other attacks also at the weekend? Wonder if it's a skeleton staff.

Private messaging is now disabled for everyone so it looks like they are taking action!

As well as removing the ability to disguise links they should suspend dormant accounts.

Have just blocked PMs, but am appalled that we should be having to rely on knowledge and advice from other posters. Surely MN should be publicising the current problems and telling people what measures they should take to avoid them, rather than people getting the relevant information after accidentally stumbling across various threads? It’s really poor.

You’d think after the attack the other week, MN would pay for a fully manned 24/7 service. Bloody cheapskates.

Thank you @noblegiraffe for the warnings and info on changing settings.

They absolutely should. If people don't know (because as far as I can see it's not being publicised on MN) and get a message containing an image that traumatises/triggers existing trauma in them, MN surely bears some responsibility? Not to mention the legal ramifications.

MNHQ need to urgently remove the ability to disguise links so that people can easily see the full URL given that we know criminals are posting links to child abuse on the site.
@BeckyAMumsNet could you comment on this please ??

Sorry cross posted

@BeckyAMumsNet why has Noble Giraffe had to start a thread warning people about PMs?
Why haven't MN alerted people?

MNHW were alerted by posters on the Site Stuff thread and by PMs/ or the reporting posts facility.

Posters risk committing a criminal offence - there's almost strict liability if you receive this type of material.

Look up Chief Superintendent Robyn Wright.

For the moment disabling PMs is a start.

So far as links, it's not pretty but at least the full html code shows the link below is a dress from Cos. I assume it's difficult to disguise code in that format and still make it work?

https://www.cos.com/en_gbp/women/womenswear/dresses/product.double-breasted-midi-shirt-dress-beige.1266194001.html

What would class as a dormant account? I have accounts on a couple of fora as I want to be able to read as a member even though I never post, there must be loads of members who do that here too

This is why we can’t have nice things safe forums

Totally agree, and thank you for this info

So... Despite vague mumbles in the press about instituting something or other - there is no staff member working, or available to respond to urgent reports from the Night Watch, overnight.

PMs have been disabled according to my account.

Now please correct me if i am wrong

But technology on mobiles / Ipads / laptops etc will not let you just click on a link and you immediately see an image / video…

I think your network gives you a warning that you are about to access a website that is illegal?
And have to click again to enter the site?
So someone cant just say ‘Oh it was by accident’

What if it is not a link to an illegal website but a link to an illegal image that has been uploaded to a legitimate website?

Doesn’t it depend on how the site is set up? If it has correct certificates, etc, then depending on your settings, it may just open. I certainly wouldn’t be confident that it wouldn’t.

This is yet another appalling failure to protect forum users and buried where no one can find it. Hoping the media do, tbh.