The use of Facebook’s anonymous posting feature has raised growing concern in Seychelles. This follows a series of posts that have targeted individuals with insults, degrading remarks and threats.
In recent months, images of people have been shared online alongside derogatory comments. Some of the language used has prompted concern for bordering on hate speech and for encouraging hostility towards those featured.
There have also been posts referencing threats. These relate to the security of both the current President of Seychelles and a former president. The majority of these posts were published by users choosing to remain anonymous.
Users have cited one Facebook group, Gossip Corner Seychelles, as a platform where such content has appeared. In recent weeks, posts in the group have targeted several women, prompting criticism from other members.
Among those affected was a young professional woman employed at the Ministry of Finance, National Planning and Trade. Her image was shared with sexually explicit remarks. The post appeared under an anonymous participant name. Following the incident, several users publicly defended the woman and called on the group’s administrators to take greater responsibility for moderating content.
The wife of former president Danny Faure has also previously been subjected to sexually explicit and denigrating online comments. These comments appeared in posts that circulated on social media at the time.
Media practitioners and media organisations have similarly reported being targeted by abusive content shared anonymously online.
A review of publicly available Facebook content by this newsroom shows that an administrator profile associated with Gossip Corner Seychelles has appeared tagged in certain public posts involving a female individual. The available information does not establish the identity of the administrator, nor does it confirm any relationship between the accounts. There is also no public confirmation regarding who manages or controls the group.
Publicly visible information indicates that the group was created approximately five years ago. Its original purpose remains unclear.
Facebook allows anonymous posting within some groups, a feature intended to encourage participation. However, critics argue that limited accountability can contribute to online abuse when moderation is insufficient.
Calls have grown online for stronger moderation, clearer accountability from group administrators, and increased public awareness of the legal consequences of online harassment.