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In recent times, online groups promoting commercial surrogacy have been on the rise across social media. This type of content is harmful and often violates Meta’s community standards on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
While many users may find these posts disturbing, not everyone knows how to report them effectively when they come across them.
A recent DUBAWA investigation on Sept. 17, 2025, revealed how groups on Facebook are exploiting women through surrogacy schemes.
With no clear Nigerian legal framework, these groups thrive by spreading misinformation and luring vulnerable women.
This explainer provides a step-by-step guide on reporting groups or accounts directly through Meta’s website and Help Centre.
Meta’s policies and guidelines
According to Meta, its Community Standards prohibit human and sexual exploitation, nudity, and content that promotes or facilitates sexual services.
The platform encourages users to take action whenever they encounter groups, pages, or individuals violating these rules. Meta assures that all reports are treated confidentially, meaning the person or group being reported will not know the identity of the reporter.
Reporting a group on Facebook is a straightforward process.
- Go to the group’s main page and click on the “More” option (represented by three dots) under the cover photo.
- Select “Report Group,”
- Choose the reason for your complaint, such as human and sexual exploitation, in the case of surrogacy.
- Select for people under 18, in the case of child trafficking.
- Submit your report.
Similarly, users can report a specific post instead of an entire group. To do this;
- Locate the post in question and click on the three dots in the top-right corner.
- Select “Find support or report post,” choose a reason such as “human and sexual exploitation.”
- Follow the on-screen prompts until the report is complete.
What if the violation continues?
Sometimes, in-app reporting may not resolve the issue, or the violation may continue. In such cases, users can go through Facebook’s Help Centre.
By searching for terms like “Report a group” or “Report human and sexual exploitation,” you will be directed to sections that allow you to submit complaints through the “Report Something” or “Report a Violation” options.
After submission, Meta typically responds through the Support Inbox, where users can track the status of their report and, if necessary, provide additional information. If you believe a decision was made in error, there is the option to appeal.
When a report is filed, Meta requires the user to provide a reason, after which the complaint is routed through its internal review system.
This process enables Meta’s moderation team to determine whether the reported content violates its community standards and to decide on the appropriate action to be taken.
By understanding and using these procedures, users can actively contribute to keeping Meta platforms safe.
Conclusion
When harmful contents are reported, users help prevent exploitation, protect vulnerable communities, and contribute to a safer online environment.
Each report helps Meta enforce its community standards, ensuring that dangerous content is removed swiftly. Taking a few moments to report what you see could make a real difference in safeguarding others online.
