Page 7 | Update from MNHQ addressing the recent images posted on the site

JustineMumsnet · 2025-02-04T12:13:10+00:00

Hi all, There have been a number of threads discussing what happened re the posting of CSA images on site and so I want to be absolutely clear: we would never seek to shut down reasonable criticism and we're taking on board all the feedback and will be carefully considering how we can improve our procedures and moderation to prevent this happening again. As a temporary measure, we have suspended all image posting and will soon be implementing AI filters to flag illegal/disturbing images before they appear on the site. We’re also liaising with external specialists to see if there are any further tools we can employ to help us prevent this from happening again in the future. We reported it to the police first thing the morning after the attack and we have a follow up meeting with them tomorrow. It's also pretty clear from what we can see behind the scenes that there is an ongoing, coordinated effort from trolls to further inflame these discussions, and cause as much disruption as possible. We are taking steps to remove bad faith actors, but we know this can be frustrating for those who just want to express your views about what happened. If you come across any posts that seem designed to stir up more conflict rather than contribute constructively, please do report them - your reports really help us to act swiftly. Many thanks for your patience while we work to sort this out.

ChristmasFluff · 04/02/2025 15:59

There are plenty of smaller and less profitable forums that employ paid moderators 24/7. It's really dismal that this is seen as unimportant by MN, especially after what has happened.

I think there would not have been so much difficulty with 'bad actors' had the thread yesterday been staffed by moderators responding to the genuine concerns of members, rather than people being left to guess and hope and give their opinions in a vacuum. With the occasional pronouncement from a mod or, eventually, Justine, which only seemed to create more upset because of the tone.

This forum would be 100 per cent better if members' genuine concerns were listened to and even acted upon, rather than being seen as a thorn in the organisation's side, which is the impression that is often given.

Lookuptrees · 04/02/2025 16:01

IncaDove · 04/02/2025 15:56

I have been critical at MN's response but I don't think it will be helpful to have this all over the press.

It is not just MN that would be criticised, it would be the over night volunteers too, despite the fact they did nothing wrong. I really think they have been through enough.

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No to be clear I don't blame the NW mods at all for this, of course not.

IncaDove · 04/02/2025 16:02

Lookuptrees · 04/02/2025 16:01

No to be clear I don't blame the NW mods at all for this, of course not.

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I know you don't, but plenty will if this is all over the press.

HalfasleepChrisintheMorning · 04/02/2025 16:03

Probably the best thing would be if the night watch collectively resigned. Paid overnight moderation would have to be used then?

crowgift · 04/02/2025 16:05

This is the OFCOM page for reports of harmful content that have appeared online

https://ofcomlive.my.salesforce-sites.com/formentry/OSComplaintsHarmfulContent

They deal with compliance with the Online Safety Act 2023.

TwigletsAndRadishes · 04/02/2025 16:06

TheWeeDonkeyFella · 04/02/2025 13:18

I reported a post unbelievably playing down csa images, and I expect many others did too, and yet it's still up. 🤷‍♀️

The one saying the images were not traumatic compared to seeing images of children in Gaza?

ilovesooty · 04/02/2025 16:10

claudiaswinklemen · 04/02/2025 13:31

It's also pretty clear from what we can see behind the scenes that there is an ongoing, coordinated effort from trolls to further inflame these discussions, and cause as much disruption as possible.

I thought this too, just from reading and with no behind the scenes information. I don’t like the tone of, “Will you confirm that you will be taking X action as of three weeks ago?” or “Do you agree until MNHQ have removed all despicable images from the internet, MN should be closed down indefinitely?”.

Not to mention people threatening to contact their mates in the press, threatening to sue and demanding that MN pay for personal therapy. Of course people want reassurance and information about ongoing procedures to make the site safe but none of the above is helpful.

dynamiccactus · 04/02/2025 16:12

MN isn't a video sharing platform, that link isn't relevant. The one I linked to is.

Onlyhereforthebatshitneighbours · 04/02/2025 16:13

ilovesooty · 04/02/2025 16:10

Not to mention people threatening to contact their mates in the press, threatening to sue and demanding that MN pay for personal therapy. Of course people want reassurance and information about ongoing procedures to make the site safe but none of the above is helpful.

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If those are the bad faith actors then I dont disagree with MN disabling the threads they post on / deleting their posts but I'd like mumsnet to clarify please

@JustineMumsnet

IncaDove · 04/02/2025 16:17

Sadly, it is now on the BBC

MeowCatPleaseMeowBack · 04/02/2025 16:18

ilovesooty · 04/02/2025 16:10

Not to mention people threatening to contact their mates in the press, threatening to sue and demanding that MN pay for personal therapy. Of course people want reassurance and information about ongoing procedures to make the site safe but none of the above is helpful.

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Agree with both of you. Some posters were/are gleeful about the chance to berate MNHQ and demand that their wishes are carried out immediately. Someone used the phrase "breathtaking arrogance" and that summed it up nicely.

JustSawJohnny · 04/02/2025 16:21

I genuinely think the site has been flooded with trolls and possibly bots for a month or so - mostly race baiting ones.

It must be really hard to manage all of this. Maybe it's time to get more professionals in and not leave admin to volunteers?

OneDenimRobin · 04/02/2025 16:21

Thank you to MNHQ for disabling images so nothing like that can be uploaded. Hopefully the new systems will block any images like that when the function is restored. Posting those images here was an attack on all of us, users and MNHQ.

I’m not surprised that the attack is ongoing and that there is coordinated shit stirring going on. There were several calls to draw media attention to what happened. At best those are misguided but it’s easy to see them as an attempt to cause more damage to the site.

letthemeatcakes · 04/02/2025 16:22

@Velmy MNHQ should have arranged for daytime staff to cover the nights as an interim emergency measure while they get the existing nightwatch time expanded and made into paid employees.

Onlyhereforthebatshitneighbours · 04/02/2025 16:22

OneDenimRobin · 04/02/2025 16:21

Thank you to MNHQ for disabling images so nothing like that can be uploaded. Hopefully the new systems will block any images like that when the function is restored. Posting those images here was an attack on all of us, users and MNHQ.

I’m not surprised that the attack is ongoing and that there is coordinated shit stirring going on. There were several calls to draw media attention to what happened. At best those are misguided but it’s easy to see them as an attempt to cause more damage to the site.

Agreed. There's not really a need for image sharing, I'd be content for them to remain disabled.

letthemeatcakes · 04/02/2025 16:22

@Velmy MNHQ should have arranged for daytime staff to cover the nights as an interim emergency measure while they get the existing nightwatch time expanded and made into paid employees.

Team not time

crowgift · 04/02/2025 16:27

yes @dynamiccactus and I believe this is the correct direct reporting form?
https://ofcomlive.my.salesforce-sites.com/formentry/OSComplaintsHarmfulContent

maudelovesharold · 04/02/2025 16:27

JustineMumsnet · 04/02/2025 15:00

As said upthread the Report button works 24-7

"it’s always worth reporting posts, no matter the time of day. We have various automated moderation controls in place that operate outside of business hours, and we are actively working to strengthen these further. While we won’t go into detail for security reasons, we want to reassure you that reports do play a role in flagging issues at any time."

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I don’t understand. I’m sure that posters are advised flag posts/threads at night to the Night Watch rather than using the report function, because reports won’t get looked at till the morning? Do the NW see reports, then? If so, why was there always the palaver of having to post NW a link to the thread?

TheDowagerCountessofPembroke · 04/02/2025 16:28

JustineMumsnet · 04/02/2025 15:00

As said upthread the Report button works 24-7

"it’s always worth reporting posts, no matter the time of day. We have various automated moderation controls in place that operate outside of business hours, and we are actively working to strengthen these further. While we won’t go into detail for security reasons, we want to reassure you that reports do play a role in flagging issues at any time."

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Then why did the numerous reports that I and others made in the first incident not do anything? 10 minutes later the images were still there. Then I posted to the night watch thread which got them removed quickly. NightWatch came into the thread in question and thanked me for posting it on NightWatch. Why would they do that if the reports worked?

Blueberry911 · 04/02/2025 16:28

JustineMumsnet · 04/02/2025 15:00

As said upthread the Report button works 24-7

"it’s always worth reporting posts, no matter the time of day. We have various automated moderation controls in place that operate outside of business hours, and we are actively working to strengthen these further. While we won’t go into detail for security reasons, we want to reassure you that reports do play a role in flagging issues at any time."

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Reporting those posts seemed to be a big eff all though, didn't it? The report button is useless if there's no admin online.

Nousernamesleftatall · 04/02/2025 16:29

Why does a company with £5,800,000 shareholder funds not pay their moderators? Why should people work for your company for free?

TheDowagerCountessofPembroke · 04/02/2025 16:29

Front page of the BBC News app.

Mumsnet targeted with child sexual abuse images www.bbc.com/news/articles/c93qw3lw4kvo

Goodweekincoming · 04/02/2025 16:30

I saw those images, reported immediately and made a comment on the thread for others to do the same straight away and in fairness they were whipped down quickly after reporting but they must have been up a little while for so many to have seen them. I agree with @TheDowagerCountessofPembroke having to look at them to actually be able to report it was hard. I don't even know what Nightwatch is to be honest. I have never come across anything even remotely like that in my life before and frankly I was horrified that it could happen.

What I will say is seeing them really affected me. It was such a shock and it was all I could do not to vomit. I am still thinking about it and I can't get the images out of my head. I won't ever forget them and I really wish I had not gone to comment on a thread about soup that night. You can't unsee that. I have been upset ever since and that might sound dramatic but honestly it was horrific and my brain won't go back to normal. Sorry to all you you who saw them aswell. I can only assume you feel similar to me x

RudbekiasAreSun · 04/02/2025 16:30

oh my goodness, Lord, chastise these people and help clean this country

IncaDove · 04/02/2025 16:33

Can I ask those who are reporting to the press or Ofcom etc. what are you hoping the outcome will be?

Slap on the wrist, fine, MN being shut down?

I have been very critical of MN, but I am starting to feel uncomfortable with some of these actions. it does feel like some people won't be happy unless Mumsnet is taken offline.