FBI Alarmed After “Zoombombing” Incidents Displaying Child Sexual Abuse

In Care and Feeding, the parenting and advice column of Slate, someone advice asked what could be done about the effects of Zoombombing in their classes at school. The letter sender person who wrote shared that zoombombings have started to make him or her scared and terrified. In two of their classes, some kids suddenly showed up and said the N-word. In another session that was interrupted by zoombombing, a kid suddenly showed his "inappropriate" item.

Care and Feeding advised the person who wrote to raise this concern to his or her parents, teachers, and school administrator. By doing this, the student may give the school the idea of looking for other platforms where he or she will be comfortable talking. Also, the student was advised to take some screen breaks.

The student who wrote to Care and Feeding did not experience an isolated case. As proof, the Federal Bureau of Investigation is already issuing warnings to the public on the increasing reports of zoombombings. What has been alarming the FBI is that the zoombombings are not just simple interruptions but are already child sexual abuse materials (CSAM).

A total of 195 incidents have been reported to the FBI. Some of these incidents were recorded in Minnesota and the Dakota. Reports reveal that the incidents include a Zoom participant who joins a public meeting. During the meeting, that participant suddenly broadcasts a video that shows child abuse.

FBI says that this activity is considered a violent crime. That is because when the sexual material is viewed, the child is revictimized. In the same manner that it is traumatizing for the child in the video, the person who views it is considered as a victim too.

The FBI's Suggestions To Avoid Zoombombing

Because physical contact has been restricted in most places all over the world, different industries like those for work, school, and even entertainment are relying on online video platforms to have meetings or classes. 

Even though these platforms are useful, the FBI suggests that moderators of meetings or classes should have enough precautions. One way to do this is not to make the meetings public. 

In Zoom, an option to make the meeting private is available. There are also options where members need to submit a password before being admitted to the meeting. 

Also, links for the conference should only be provided to attendees. Posting the link and details to the public will only increase the risk of welcoming a "zoombomber" to the meeting. Another best way is to disable the screen sharing options of attendees.

FBI's Reminders to Victims of Zoombombing

The FBI reminds the public that the best way to address zoombombing is to report such incidents to proper authorities. When the host of the meeting has recorded such an incident, the FBI's attention should be called for the removal of the recording. Also, the FBI may be contacted if the victim is in need of assistance.