FB couple challenge: Pics can be misused; Cops ask people to be cautious

Sept. 27: A new social media challenge is all over Facebook these days, called the Couple Challenge. It’s a simple task to upload pictures with your partners. Like any trend on social media, it has gone viral in the last few days as people post romantic pictures with their partners on Facebook.

Police officials said they have received several complaints from people who have suffered harassment as their photographs and personal information were misused, after they were morphed and uploaded on “obscene websites” by criminal elements due to reasons like rivalry or thwarted romantic advances.

Think twice before you post a picture with your partner. A 'cute' challenge can go wrong if not cautious! #BeAware pic.twitter.com/oJkuYdlBWZ

— PUNE POLICE (@PuneCityPolice) September 24, 2020

Given the times where we see an increase in cyber crime and image morphing, Pune police has warned users to be cautious. In a tweet posted a couple of days ago, they warned that a cute picture can be misused. It is very important warning, since a lot of people just be a part of the trend and do not think about the consequences. Something similar was seen even during #SareeChallenge on Twitter a few months ago. Women flaunted their pictures draped in a saree, but there were similar warnings of the pictures ending up on deep nude sites.

Some tips for Facebook users:

While sharing any information on Facebook, be it status updates, photos of yourself, friends or family, always share them with your friends and not the public. When you post a picture, you can share the option of share with Friends. There is also an option to share a picture with only a certain list of people. Never click the option of public, since then it remains available in the public domain and anyone can share it anywhere. Being a little more alert while using social media can save people from a whole lot of complications.