Women and Child Affairs Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj has warned that the misuse of images on social media to harass, blackmail and extort money from women and children is becoming a growing concern.
Speaking on the issue, the Minister said the unauthorized use of photographs and personal images to threaten victims for financial gain has emerged as a global challenge.
She said discussions have already been held with the Ministry of Digital Economy to strengthen cybersecurity laws and improve mechanisms to address such forms of online abuse.
Paulraj noted that victims can seek assistance through the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT), which is able to help identify the sources of harmful content, facilitate the removal of such images from the internet and support legal action against those responsible.
The Minister urged victims not to remain silent or feel pressured to hide such incidents due to fear or social stigma, stressing that legal protection is available.
She also cautioned individuals not to respond to online harassment by isolating themselves or harming themselves, emphasizing that institutional support systems are in place.
Those facing such abuse can seek help through the Women and Children’s Affairs Ministry hotline 1938, contact the Women and Children Abuse Investigation Division at the nearest police station, or report incidents through SLCERT.