Chinese Telegram Groups Exposed for Trading Secretly Filmed Intimate Images of Women
A vast network of Chinese-language Telegram chat groups has been exposed for sharing and trading secretly filmed intimate images of women and girls, often uploaded by people they know. This disturbing revelation highlights a shadowy underground ecosystem known in Chinese as "toupai chumai", which translates to "secretly filming and selling" or "secret filming betrayal." Despite widespread public outrage, authorities in China have so far remained conspicuously silent on the matter.
What is "Toupai Chumai"?
"Toupai chumai" refers to the widespread and illegal underground trade in China involving the non-consensual recording and sale of intimate images and videos of women and girls. This content is typically captured using hidden cameras or mobile phones, placed in various locations such as:
- Hotels
- Public restrooms
- Changing rooms
- Private homes
The footage is then circulated or sold online without the knowledge or consent of the women involved, frequently for profit. These recordings are traded on encrypted platforms like Telegram, where large, anonymous groups distribute the material. According to investigations by The New York Times, this practice has exposed how easily women's privacy can be violated, even by people they know, and how challenging it has been for victims and activists to seek accountability.
One academic told The New York Times that the scandal has revealed a disturbing truth: women are not safe even in private spaces, relationships, or homes. Those attempting to expose the abuse often face silence instead of support, further exacerbating the issue.
Details of the Telegram Chats
According to a New York Times investigation, dozens of Chinese-language groups on Telegram are actively used to share non-consensual photos and videos of women and girls. Some of these groups boast tens of thousands of members, with content ranging from covert recordings in public bathrooms and fitting rooms to intimate footage filmed inside homes.
CNN has previously reported on one such channel, known as "Mask Park Treehole Forum," which at its peak had more than 100,000 subscribers. In that channel, members posted intimate images of their wives, girlfriends, ex-partners, relatives, and in some cases, minors, often accompanied by degrading commentary. Both investigations found that perpetrators were frequently people personally connected to the victims, adding a layer of betrayal to the violations.
How the Trade Operates
The New York Times investigation uncovered several key aspects of this illicit trade:
- Footage is often captured using hidden cameras or mobile phones, sometimes disguised in everyday objects.
- Content is shared in anonymous Telegram groups, many of which charge for access to private "VIP" channels.
- Payments are processed through Chinese digital payment platforms such as Alipay and WeChat Pay, as well as cryptocurrency.
- Telegram is blocked in China but widely accessed using VPNs, allowing users to operate beyond domestic internet controls.
Why Telegram is Central to This Issue
Telegram's features, including large group sizes, anonymity, encryption, and limited oversight, have made it a hub for illicit activity worldwide. The New York Times noted that even when groups are shut down, new ones quickly reappear under different names. While Telegram has stated that it bans non-consensual sexual content, enforcement remains inconsistent, allowing these networks to persist.
Lack of Crackdown in China
The lack of visible enforcement has drawn particular scrutiny, especially given China's reputation for extensive digital surveillance and its ability to track users, even on overseas platforms. Despite the scale of the abuse, there has been no visible official response. Authorities have not announced any public investigations, and government agencies have stopped short of condemning the groups involved.
Activists and whistleblowers attempting to expose these networks report facing intimidation, including threats, doxxing attempts, and temporary account suspensions, which further chills efforts to push for accountability. Legal experts cited by The New York Times note that while distributing pornography for profit is a crime in China, secret filming itself is often treated as a minor offence, making prosecution difficult.
Global Context and Concerns
Globally, the non-consensual sharing of intimate images is recognized by the United Nations as a form of digital violence against women, prompting legal reforms in countries such as South Korea. In South Korea, a similar Telegram scandal, the Nth Room case, led to arrests, protests, and the implementation of strict laws. However, in China, campaigners fear that such accountability may not follow, leaving victims without recourse and perpetrators largely unchecked.
This exposure of Chinese Telegram groups underscores a critical issue in digital privacy and gender-based violence, calling for urgent attention and action from both authorities and the international community.
