For several weeks, announcements published on the private sales platform Vinted have been causing trouble on social networks. At issue: everyday objects displayed at exorbitant prices, with surprisingly precise descriptions referring to age, size or even physical characteristics. For many Internet users, these publications could hide much more than a simple commercial transaction. Their fear? Whether these are codes for talking about pedophilia.
Announcements that sow doubt
Among the announcements which caused the most concern was that of a rose offered for 20,000 euros, with the words “to be collected on site in Portugal”. Other advertisements featured a soft toy, a figurine or even various objects of no particular value, but sold for several tens of thousands of euros.
Some descriptions also mentioned information usually associated with children, reinforcing suspicions of a possible coded communication system.
On social media, many Internet users shared screenshots of these announcements, expressing their discomfort and calling for a thorough investigation.
Police and authorities seized
Faced with these elements considered disturbing, the national police made several reports to the PHAROS platform, specialized in reporting illegal content on the Internet.
According to several media outlets, the authorities are now seeking to determine whether these advertisements could actually serve as cover for child criminal networks or whether they are misappropriated publications with no link to real trafficking.
For her part, Sarah El Haïry, High Commissioner for Children, announced that she had contacted both Arcom and PHAROS so that investigations could be carried out quickly. In a press release, she recalled that predators today exploit all the digital flaws and reaffirmed a policy of “zero tolerance” in the face of any threat targeting children.
“The protection of children does not stop at the door of the school or home. It must be exercised everywhere, including in everyday digital spaces (…) It is by combining citizen mobilization, the action of platforms and the determination of public authorities that we will be able to identify, pursue and sanction those who attack children“, she wrote. “A child is not a commodity.”
Why should you be careful with photos of children?
This case also highlights the importance of protecting the image of minors on the Internet. As child psychiatrist Thierry Delcourt pointed out, a photo or video published online can be recovered and used by third parties without parents being able to maintain control over it. (Even if, here, it is figurines that are highlighted and not photos of children.)
A few simple reflexes can help limit the risks:
- Ask for the child’s consent before any publication when he or she is old enough to express himself.
- Avoid public accounts.
- Never share full name, exact age, or school attended.
- Disable geolocation.
- Avoid naked photos, even when it comes to babies.
- Favor private groups to share memories.
- Mask children’s faces when possible.
What to do when faced with suspicious content?
For Justine Atlan, general director of the e-Enfance association, also recently interviewed by True Medical, prevention comes first and foremost through dialogue. Explaining to children that they can be approached or manipulated online makes them more vigilant and encourages them to speak up if they encounter a worrying situation. Especially since young adolescents can already use Vinted.
If an ad or conversation seems suspicious to you:
- Stop trading immediately;
- Take screenshots;
- Report the content to the relevant platform;
- Submit a report to PHAROS;
- Contact 3018, the national number dedicated to digital violence.
On the Internet, the vigilance of parents, Internet users and platforms today constitutes an essential barrier to protect children.