In 2023, a case was brought involving Murray Dowey of Dunblane, who, at age 16, became a victim of sextortion—a form of cybercrime where individuals are coerced into providing explicit images or videos under threats or manipulation. The incident highlights challenges faced by minors in online environments and raises questions about platform accountability. The parents of the victim have taken legal action, filing a lawsuit against Meta, the parent company of Instagram, claiming that the social media platform failed to implement sufficient safeguards to protect minors from exploitation and extortion. This legal move aims to hold Meta accountable for alleged negligence in safeguarding teenagers from digital abuse, emphasizing ongoing concerns over online security and corporate responsibility.

This case underscores the importance of digital safety measures and the need for social media companies to improve protective protocols for vulnerable users. The parents’ lawsuit presents a detailed account of the incident and argues that Meta’s platform did not adequately prevent or address sextortion activities targeting minors. It also calls for increased responsibility and stricter enforcement of safety policies to mitigate similar occurrences. The incident illustrates broader issues related to online exploitation and the critical need for comprehensive protections on social media platforms, especially for minors who are disproportionately at risk. The lawsuit could potentially influence future policy reforms and prompt social media companies to strengthen their safeguards against digital abuse.