FBI issues warning about child sex abuse depictions shown during Zoom meetings

(KION) The FBI has issued a warning after receiving reports about Zoom meeting participants sharing depictions of child sex abuse.

The agency said it has received more than 195 reports, and it believes it is happening because more people are conducting meetings virtually and links are being shared online without vetting approved participants.

Sharing child sex abuse material is considered a violent crime, even when it is shared virtually, because there is a child victim, and anyone who sees it inadvertently may also be considered a victim.

If this happens during a Zoom meeting, the FBI says:

• Hosts should contact the FBI, but not delete or destroy any computer logs until told to do so.
• Contact the FBI for help removing the material from your device if you recorded a Zoom meeting.
• If you believe you are a victim of this material broadcast during a Zoom meeting, contact the FBI to learn about victim rights and possible victim assistance.
• Contact the FBI if you know who is committing the crimes.

To prevent this from happening during a meeting, the FBI suggests:

• Not making meetings or classrooms public. Either require a meeting password or use the waiting room feature to control guest admittance.
• Do not share a link in an unrestricted, public social media post.
• Manage screen sharing options and change them to "Host Only."

If you believe you are a victim of child sex abuse material being broadcast or if you have information about the identity of someone sharing or producing it, you are asked to report it to the FBI at 1-800-225-5324 or anonymously here.