Maldives Police Service has warned of a rise in cases involving the misuse of personal photos and videos on social media platforms, including incidents of extortion, unauthorised distribution and the use of artificial intelligence to create defamatory content.

Police said such cases often involve threats to disclose private material, as well as the sharing and sale of images and videos without consent, noting that many incidents stem from content shared in confidence within close personal relationships and later used to intimidate victims, damage reputations or obtain financial and personal gain.

Authorities said these offences are treated as serious crimes due to the psychological and social harm caused to victims, highlighting risks to personal reputation, family relationships and overall wellbeing.

Police have urged the public to exercise caution when sharing personal content digitally, avoid storing or distributing sensitive material, and report any threats immediately, adding that cases of this nature are being prioritised and legal action is being taken against those involved.