this post was submitted on 07 Mar 2025
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Selfhosted

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Obviously I already removed all media, banned all the users and prevented account creation. I have ip addresses and metadata of the users

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[–] HelloRoot@lemy.lol 20 points 4 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) (13 children)

Probably should have given all of the evidence to the police instead of deleting some of it.

In most western jurisdictions platform operators are not liable for user content, (as long as they cooperate with the authorities) so nothing for you to worry about.

Next time, don't do anything, no deleting, no blocking, contact the police and ask them what they would like you to do. Maybe they'd even would want to letting them keep posting for a while to gather more data on the offenders, but idk how they deal with selfhosted stuff tbh..

(this is not legal advice)

(Also I totally understand that you don't want your other users seing that kind of stuff. I know nothing about the matrix moderation tools, so maybe the media is on the server db somewhere ... might be relevant to figure that out)


Edit: this does not apply if you live in an authoritarian police state or third world country, like OP apparently does.

[–] null_dot@lemmy.dbzer0.com 59 points 4 days ago (1 children)

I would think very carefully before contacting the police. I am not suggesting that you should provide a safe harbor for people sharing CSAM, or obfuscate their crime. You absolutely should take action, but carefully weigh your options before calling the police.

While it may (possibly!) be true in your jurisdiction that platform operators are not liable for user content, police aren't on "your side". Even if you assume the highest standards of professionalism from them, they need to represent the interests of the victims (not you) and need to diligently investigate the crime. That means they need to confirm beyond reasonable doubt that you are not involved beyond operating the host.

Just because you self-disclose does not mean that you are innocent. You could've been actively participating and when threatened with blackmail you've decided to self-disclose to avert guilt.

Another consideration is what else I have on my server. I'm catch and release for pirate movies and TV these days so there's only 100gb or so. I do have several hundred pirate audiobooks though. Deleting all that before handing my server over will look very suspicious.

With all of this in mind, the only course of action is to talk to a lawyer. A lawyer will know exactly what laws are relevant, and can guide you through the process of self-disclosure while minimising the imposition on you.

[–] Mac@mander.xyz 19 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago)

I would consult with a lawyer even now after the fact.

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