Chatroulette launched the trend at the end of the 2000s: connecting complete strangers through computer video conversations. Concretely, the site randomly connects two people connected so that they can discuss via interposed webcam. Everyone has the ability to switch to another conversation with a different person at any time if they wish.
The service had exploded in popularity in 2010 thanks to this innovative concept before seeing the craze fall in the following years. Since then, other sites and services of the same type have emerged and surpassed the original.
In 2019, the enthusiasm for these sites increased once more with the health crisis and the various confinements. Alone, locked up in their homes, many people have taken advantage of Bazoocam, Chatrandom, Strangercam or even Omegle to break boredom and loneliness. It is estimated today in France that one million users connect to this last site each month.
And it is precisely Omegle which is now in the sights of the French government following the publication of an investigation by The site Kool Mag, an online parenting magazine for fathers. Indeed, the site denounces the presence of mature exhibitionists on this platform very popular with young people.
Voyeurs and exhibitionists already present for several years
The founder of Kool Mag, Baptiste des Monstiers, says he surfed the site on a Wednesday followingnoon and met dozens of children and teenagers aged 9 to 15, looking for new friends.
He also saw there, likely to come into contact with these children, “dozens of men masturbating, showing off, some disguised as women wearing women’s underwear“.
11 comments
It’s always the same problem, here in Europe, we disempower the parents! It’s up to them to supervise their children and not to the government to close all the sites like Chatroulette, Omegle, Flukycam… What will we have left when there will be no more sites like that?
why did you removed my comment please???
This is a really important topic that needs more attention. It’s alarming to see how platforms like Omegle can expose young people to such risks. Thanks for shedding light on the experiences of victims in Belgium; it’s crucial to raise awareness about these dangers and encourage safer online interactions.
This is such an important topic to discuss. It’s alarming how platforms like Omegle can attract not only young people but also predators. Awareness and education on internet safety are crucial for protecting vulnerable users. Thank you for shedding light on this issue!
This is such an important topic that needs more visibility. While Omegle offers a space for young people to connect, it’s alarming to see how it can also put them at risk. It’s crucial for parents to monitor their children’s online activities and for platforms like Omegle to implement better safety measures. Thank you for shedding light on this issue!
This is such an important topic that needs more awareness! It’s alarming how platforms like Omegle can be misused, and my heart goes out to the victims in Belgium. We really need to prioritize online safety, especially for younger users. Thank you for shedding light on this issue!
This is such an important topic! It’s alarming to see how platforms like Omegle can be misused by predators, especially when they target vulnerable young people. We really need to raise awareness and have more conversations about online safety to protect our kids. Thank you for shedding light on this issue!
This post really highlights the dangers lurking on platforms like Omegle. It’s alarming to see such a juxtaposition of fun and risk, especially for young users. The need for awareness and education about online safety is more important than ever. Thank you for shedding light on this issue!
It’s alarming to see the darker side of platforms like Omegle, especially when it comes to the safety of young users. The lack of proper regulation and the anonymity it offers can easily attract predators. We need more awareness and better protective measures to ensure that young people can engage in safe online interactions. Thank you for highlighting this crucial issue!
It’s concerning to see how platforms like Omegle can be misused by predators, especially when many young people are unaware of the risks involved. Parents and guardians need to have open conversations with their kids about online safety. The more awareness we create, the better we can protect vulnerable individuals from these threats. Thank you for highlighting this important issue!
This is such an important issue that needs more attention! It’s alarming to see how platforms like Omegle can expose young people to such dangers. Parents and guardians must be aware and engage in open dialogues about online safety. Thank you for shedding light on this topic!