Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk

Back to thread
MNHQ

MNHQ: Update on Image Uploads

8 replies

LilyMumsnet · 07/02/2025 15:06

Hi all,

As you'll be aware, we've switched image uploads off this week whilst we've been building a filter that will automatically detect images that should not be appearing on our site. We've been consulting experts and have built a tool which utilises some widely-used image detection software.

This afternoon, we will release this tool and therefore we will turn image uploads back on. We can't go into detail about how the tool works for obvious reasons but if you do spot anything of concern please report and/or get in touch with us at [email protected] and we'll look into it straight away.

Go to post
MNHQ

BeckyAMumsnet · 13/02/2025 11:34

We understand why some people feel uncomfortable with intimate images being shared, but we want MNers to feel able to ask for advice about sensitive health issues - and sometimes images can genuinely help with that. We also recognise that, for whatever reason, some people might not feel able to seek advice elsewhere (though we always advise seeing a medical professional where possible!). That’s why we don’t have a blanket ban on these posts. Instead, we review the information we have to be as sure as we can be that they’re shared for the right reasons. If we believe someone isn’t being genuine, we’ll remove the post right away and if not deleting, we’ll usually move these types of posts to the relevant board if they’re not there already.

These posts are being flagged by our filters and are always reviewed by us first, so there’s an extra layer of checks in place. We also mark these images as sensitive and will add a warning to the thread title where appropriate. Please do keep reporting anything you’re concerned about as we're happy to review.

MNHQ

BeckyAMumsnet · 13/02/2025 12:27

JaneJeffer · 13/02/2025 12:20

Inspector Vadget

inspector gadget GIF

Us:

MNHQ

BeckyAMumsnet · 13/02/2025 12:29

NCfornow256 · 13/02/2025 12:08

@BeckyAMumsnet , is there any way that sensitive / medical posts could be kept behind the paywall? So the poster wouldn't have to be a subscriber, but the posts would only be accessible by subscribers? That way there's less risk of some vulnerable person's private images being accessed by those treating them, and potentially sharing them, as porn / a joke, and also less incentive for someone to post something for sinister reasons?

Alternatively, could they at least be automatically deleted after a certain period?

We'd avoid trying to limit the potential responses an OP could receive but will discuss the auto-delete suggestion. Thanks very much.

MNHQ

BeckyAMumsnet · 15/02/2025 09:19

We've posted on the other Site stuff thread to update - our AI-based filtering system is designed to detect and hide inappropriate images but the attacker posted a link to site which contained such images. We are disabling the feature which shows image previews and have also disabled new registrations and images for now. We'll post more information as soon as there is anything else to say.

MNHQ

BeckyAMumsnet · 15/02/2025 10:08

noblegiraffe · 15/02/2025 09:59

Can MNHQ confirm whether the filter has caught CSA images? It seems that whoever is attacking the site is very determined. It may be that the filter works (which would be good news) which is why they changed methods.

The attacker did not upload an image directly to our site - they posted a link to an external website. That site then provided a preview of the image, which was automatically displayed. Since the image itself was never hosted by us, it did not go through our AI filters. We are taking steps to prevent this from happening again.

MNHQ

BeckyAMumsnet · 15/02/2025 10:29

whathaveiforgotten · 15/02/2025 10:16

Sorry this was to @BeckyAMumsnet

Show quote history

Yes, it has caught images uploaded to the site and blocked them from appearing.

MNHQ

BeckyAMumsnet · 15/02/2025 12:23

Cursory · 12/02/2025 20:42

@LilyMumsnet Please can you let us know how people posting photos of their vulvas/anuses/breasts for ‘medical reasons’ evades the shiny new AI filter?

Or are you relying on human moderators to view them first (now there’s a job I don’t want) and allow them past the filter?

It would also be helpful to hear how MNHQ believe these kind of photos differ from porn trolling. Could, say, a new user post a photo of ‘their’ vulva asking if it looks normal and actually a man has created a fake account and posted an intimate photo of his ex-partner in order to shame her?

In light of recent events, we will no longer allow users to post sensitive images like this on the site. Thank you for your feedback.

MNHQ

BeckyAMumsnet · 15/02/2025 12:25

Giggorata · 15/02/2025 12:15

Wtf?
I thought they had installed some kind of AI watchdog, or guard programme or something to prevent this?
I'm glad I wasn't on last night, seeing images like last time is more than enough for one lifetime.
Mumsnet admin, again, please confirm that this matter has been reported to the Police.
(Repeat post, in case other thread gets deleted. As a retired social worker, I feel the obligation to have it confirmed that the Police are involved)

We have passed the latest information on to the police this morning and of course will continue to do all we can to assist. Just to reiterate, the attacker did not upload an image directly to our site - they posted a link to an external website. That site then provided a preview of the image, which was automatically displayed. Since the image itself was never hosted by us, it did not go through our AI filters. We have taken steps to prevent this from happening again.

Watch this thread for updates

Tap "Watch" to get all the latest updates

End of posts

There are no more MNHQ posts on this thread

Back to thread