Mmastodon TechnologyInternet first seen 3 d ago, last 3 d ago, peak #2
Father campaigns against sextortion scams after son's suicide
Original: The Guardian: My son killed himself after falling victim to an online scam. I heard it happen – and vowed to protect oth
Brandon Guffey's 17-year-old son Gavin died by suicide in 2022 after being targeted by a sextortion scammer on Instagram. In a Guardian first-person account, the father describes hearing it happen and the four years since spent fighting for justice and pushing for stronger protections for children from online extortion schemes.
Why now: The emotional first-person story and ongoing child safety concerns keep sextortion and platform accountability in public debate.
Brandon GuffeyGavin GuffeyInstagramThe Guardian
Rank over time, top of the chart is #1. 10 snapshots from 3 d ago to 3 d ago.
Evidence
- The Guardian: My son killed himself after falling victim to an online scam. I heard it happen – and vowed to protect other children. “Gavin Guffey was 17 when he was targeted by a ‘sextortionist’ on Instagram. His father Brandon has spent four years fighting for justice, and… · researchbuzz_firehose@rbfirehose.com · 3
API: https://socialmediatrends-api.osmike.com/v1/trends/2276618