After a media storm and users rushing to leave, phica.eu, which was infamous for sharing sexualized images of women, including public figures and politicians, was shut down. The photos represented the victims in ordinary scenarios but were commented on sexually.
The site's homepage now includes a statement outlining the reasons behind the closure. "Despite our efforts, we were unable to stop all of the toxic behavior in time", it states, announcing the removal of all posts. The administrators highlight that they have worked with Italian and international law enforcement agencies over the past twenty years, giving data and assistance in bringing individuals who committed crimes to justice. The site also encourages anyone who believes their rights have been infringed to contact the platform and have the content removed. "Phica.eu was created as a space for safe personal discussion and sharing, but as with any social network, some people have distorted the original purpose, damaging its spirit", according to the statement. Meanwhile, the government takes action: Eugenia Roccella, Minister of Family and Equal Opportunities, announced “specific initiatives for monitoring situations of this kind, reporting them to the competent authorities, and identifying effective tools to counter this barbarity of the third millennium". "We will do everything we can to strengthen the action already underway, together with the entire Parliament", stated the minister.