Disabled private messages

[SharonEllis]

Are pms disabled for everyone, or just me? Anyone know why?

For everyone because of CSA links being sent via PM overnight.

Oh my god, horrific. Thank you. Its odd that I had a notification that I had been srnt a PM just now though?

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/_chat/5280062-warning-dont-open-links-in-pms

MNHQ really should have said what they were doing.

Hello - we have now temporarily disabled PMs while we implement further protections for users. We’re sorry for the inconvenience and will update you when we can.

I'm on another app with a private messaging system, and its becoming clear that at least one cohort of users send messages unrelated to the purpose of the app.
The devs aren't really up to speed on the potential for groups with bad intentions to use their app in that way and its not going well for users.

I think its possible that anyone who owns an app or website with a messaging system is going to have to wake up and face some unpleasant facts. Its not a new tactic; messaging systems have been used as a tool for grooming or recruitment. They need to start getting in front of problems like this.

Edit; Mumsnet should suspend all dormant accounts, and remove the ability to conceal or disguise URL's.

I wonder of it's just one criminal sending this, or if it's several..A men's forum mentioned that MN had been targeted, and they seemed pretty grossed out by it- but one person said certain ''groups'' I won't mention here are likely behind this.

I came onto sitestuff to see what was going on.
Thanks for the info

Good to see all the money MNet are raking in from charges has been invested in the site security!

God it's awful isn't it?! What is wrong with these bloody people?

I blocked anyone from private messaging me a long time ago, so thankfully no-one can message me with these vile pictures.

Mumsnet should suspend all dormant accounts
I know who I'd like to suspend indefinitely

I really do think that MN need to pin a notice to the landing page when there are big changes like this. I said the same when they suspended all uploading of photos/pictures.

It's a bit shit to have to go squirreling around in the Site Stuff topic which never trends, just to find out why a main feature isn't working.

It's a very half-arsed attitude towards keeping their users informed of fairly fundamental issues. Every other forum I use pins notices for anything like this to the front page so that everyone has the chance to see it.

Jeez.
This is ridiculous.

Thank you for this link.

I was unaware this has happened a few times.

How long were private messages disabled for previously?

I think it was the ability to post photos that was removed recently. I think they are checked now.

The images (and then links) were posted on the main forum last time, not through PMs.

Was the site still up and running throughout last time?

I think so. Not sure.

As a minimum, it would be nice if the message could be changed from "Private messaging is currently disabled" to "Private messaging is currently disabled for everyone, don't worry, it's not you". I sent a very innocuous PM to someone a couple of days ago and I was worried that it had been reported or something, until I came here.

Yes, but posting images was disabled.

I agree, I thought I was being sanctioned even though I hadn't posted anything in the run up to seeing that message!

Just awful. Thank you for letting us know.

Yes, that's a really good point - I thought it was just me as well, even though I haven't sent any private messages recently!

This must have only been recent as I was messaging the other day

but just tried to and got this

hence came to site stuff to find out why and saw this thread

its easy enough to go to site stuff if an issue

It was a few days ago. Illegal CSA images were being sent by links via PMs.

I’m not sure how they can prevent this to be honest. I wonder if the PM function will actually return.