Online Communities Exploit Young Women Through Nonconsensual Imagery

Why it matters locally: While no specific North Dakota institutions were named in the national report, the findings highlight a pervasive issue that could affect students at universities and colleges across the state. Law enforcement agencies such as the University of North Dakota Campus Police or Bismarck State College Campus Police would be involved if such exploitation occurred locally.

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Wired reporter EJ Dickson has investigated an online community that targets young women, primarily in college. This community uses and shares nonconsensual, sexually explicit images of these women. Dickson discussed the findings with NPR's Juana Summers. The report highlights methods employed within what some refer to as the 'burnerverse,' where participants exploit individuals through the dissemination of private imagery.