A cyber security adviser and former employee of the National Cyber Security Authority has described the recent sex video scandal involving a Russian citizen and several Ghanaian women as deeply disturbing.
The expert noted that deleting the videos from various social media platforms may prove difficult, primarily because the victims involved are adults rather than minors.
According to the adviser, the National Communications Authority (NCA), acting through the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, will need to file formal appeals with platforms like Facebook to request the removal of the uploaded content.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he explained that the process would have been significantly faster—albeit at a cost to the state—if the framework for adults was as streamlined as the one for children.
The expert said that while Ghana has significantly strengthened its framework to protect children online—notably through the 2020 launch of the Child Online Protection Reporting Portal in partnership with UNICEF—these streamlined tools are specifically designed to fast-track the removal of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).
This portal allows the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to use direct reporting channels with platforms like Facebook to ensure illegal content is taken down immediately.
However, because these reactive interventions are tailored for minors, the current scandal involving adults lacks the same automated removal process, requiring authorities to instead file manual appeals with service providers
“In this Russian sex scandal, the victims are adults and it would be difficult taking them down,” he stated. “What should therefore happen is that our agencies must file an appeal to the various platforms where the videos have been uploaded and have them deleted.”
Mr. Annan noted that while the sexual acts appeared consensual in the footage, the act of filming and distributing them without permission is a criminal offense.
“When it comes to the sex, we cannot say he has violated any law. But the filming of the sex and uploading of same was without the consent of the victims and so he breached the law and can be punished for that.”
The adviser also revealed technical details regarding how the footage was captured, alleging that the Russian national used video-enhanced spectacles to covertly film his encounters.
Authorities have reportedly engaged with some of the victims as investigations continue. Despite reports that the suspect has fled Ghana, the expert remains hopeful.
“I have picked information that investigations were underway. Authorities have got in touch with some of the victims to assist with investigations. The man is said to have left the country but investigations were underway and we are optimistic that authorities will deal with the matter.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
