Scrutiny of selling platforms grows as female users warning of harassment on sites after photos stolen and sexualised
Users of secondhand clothing websites such as Vinted are warning about the danger their images will be used against their will on pornography sites, and sounding the alarm about the spread of sexually charged harassment under their posts.
The potential for hijacking photos posted on the internet for real or faked erotic content has long been known, but victims and their advocates say culprits appear to have zeroed in on Vinted with targeted campaigns.
Founded in 2008, the Lithuanian online marketplace for buying, selling and originally swapping secondhand and new clothing has developed into the most successful website of its kind in Europe, with more than 65 million registered users.
Its popularity, particularly among young women, appears to have also made it a draw for misogynist trolls, image thieves and unwanted sexualised content.
