Have you ever tried searching for “chicken soup” on Facebook expecting to find wholesome recipes or comfort food groups, only to be met with a disturbing warning about child sexual abuse? I recently discovered this shocking connection myself, and I’m going to explain what’s happening behind this seemingly innocent search term.
The Alarming Warning When Searching “Chicken Soup” on Facebook
When you type “chicken soup” into Facebook’s search bar, something unexpected happens. Instead of seeing delicious recipes or food groups, Facebook immediately displays a notification with the title “Child Sexual Abuse Is Illegal.” The warning states:
“We think your search might be associated with child sexual abuse Child sexual abuse, or viewing sexual images or videos of children, can lead to imprisonment and other severe personal consequences Child sexual exploitation causes extreme harm to children.”
This warning has left many Facebook users confused and concerned. After all, chicken soup is typically associated with comfort, warmth, and healing – not something illegal or harmful. So why is Facebook flagging this innocent term?
The Disturbing Reason Behind the Flag
The reason behind this warning is deeply disturbing Distributors of child sexual abuse material have been using coded language to evade detection systems on social media platforms, One of these code phrases is “caldo de pollo” – which is Spanish for “chicken soup”
Why this specific phrase? It’s because “caldo de pollo” shares the initials “CP” with a term commonly used to refer to child pornography. By using these seemingly innocent food-related terms, predators can communicate about illegal content while attempting to fly under the radar of content moderation systems.
This coding technique allows exploitative content to remain on sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter by evading automated detection tools. However, Facebook has clearly caught on to this tactic and now displays the warning message when users search for this term.
Real-World Evidence of This Code Language
This isn’t just speculation – there’s documented evidence of this code being used by individuals involved in child exploitation:
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In July 2023, a man near Brownsville, Texas, was caught with child pornography on his phone. During his interview with authorities, when asked about a message that read “Tienes CP?” (meaning “Do you have CP?”), he told agents that “CP” stood for “caldo de pollo.” According to ValleyCentral.com, he admitted that “caldo de pollo” is code for child pornography.
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An NBC article published in April 2020 about online child exploitation noted that users were “sharing and asking for links to child abuse images and videos” using “generic terms with the initials ‘C.P.'” and “code like ‘caldo de pollo.'”
How Facebook Handles This Issue
Meta (Facebook’s parent company) has strict policies against content that sexually exploits or endangers children. According to Facebook’s Community Standards, the platform does not allow:
- Any content that threatens, depicts, praises, supports, or provides instructions for child sexual exploitation
- Content that makes statements of intent about child exploitation
- Any sharing of links to child sexual abuse material
When Facebook becomes aware of potential child exploitation, they report it to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), as required by law. Violations of these terms can result in content removal and further consequences, including account termination.
What Happens When Facebook Flags This Search?
When Facebook displays the child sexual abuse warning after searching for “chicken soup,” it redirects users to an article in Facebook’s Help Center titled “I am concerned by my own thoughts about children or by someone else’s behavior.”
This article provides:
- Information about organizations that can support people struggling with inappropriate thoughts about children
- Reminders about the illegality of producing, possessing, or sharing child exploitation material
- Instructions on how to report images of child exploitation on Facebook
- Links to emotional health resources and helplines
Is This Just a Facebook Issue?
While the examples we’ve discussed focus on Facebook, this problem extends beyond a single platform. The use of code words to evade detection is a tactic employed across various social media sites. Predators use these innocuous phrases on Instagram, Twitter, in YouTube comments, and in private messaging apps like Telegram and WhatsApp.
The challenge for all these platforms is balancing content moderation with allowing normal conversations. After all, many people genuinely want to discuss chicken soup recipes or share their love for this comfort food without triggering warnings or having their content removed.
How to Protect Children Online
This disturbing reality is a reminder of the importance of online safety, especially for children. Here are some ways we can all help protect kids online:
- Be aware of potential code words and phrases that might indicate harmful content
- Report suspicious activity to platform moderators
- Monitor children’s online activities and communications
- Teach children about online safety from an early age
- Use parental controls and privacy settings on devices and platforms
- Keep open communication with children about their online experiences
What To Do If You Encounter This Warning
If you’re simply looking for chicken soup recipes and encounter this warning, don’t be alarmed – you haven’t done anything wrong. Facebook’s system is being cautious because of how this term has been misused.
However, if you ever come across actual content that appears to be exploiting children:
- Report it immediately to the platform
- Do not share or forward the content, even to express outrage
- If necessary, report to relevant authorities like the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
The Broader Issue of Coded Language Online
This chicken soup situation illustrates a broader challenge in online content moderation. Bad actors constantly develop new code words and phrases to evade detection. As soon as platforms identify one code, another emerges.
It’s an ongoing battle that requires both sophisticated AI detection systems and human moderators who understand evolving patterns of communication. It also requires vigilance from ordinary users who might notice suspicious patterns.
Facebook’s Response and Action
To Facebook’s credit, the fact that they’ve implemented this warning shows they’re aware of how their platform might be misused and are taking steps to prevent it. By flagging the search term and providing resources, they’re attempting to both deter potential offenders and educate users who might have stumbled upon the term innocently.
Beyond Chicken Soup: Other Coded Terms
While “chicken soup” or “caldo de pollo” is one identified code phrase, it’s important to understand that predators use many different innocent-sounding terms to disguise their activities. I won’t list them here to avoid providing a guidebook, but it’s worth knowing that food terms, everyday objects, and normal phrases can all be co-opted as code.
This is why platforms like Facebook need sophisticated detection systems that look not just at individual words but patterns of communication and context.
The Future of Content Moderation
As technology evolves, we can expect both more sophisticated detection methods and, unfortunately, more advanced evasion techniques. The challenge for social media companies will be to:
- Improve AI that can detect subtle patterns indicative of harmful content
- Respond quickly to emerging code words and phrases
- Balance moderation with avoiding false positives that impact innocent users
- Provide appropriate warnings and resources when concerning searches occur
What This Means For Regular Facebook Users
For most of us who just want to use social media normally, understanding this issue helps explain otherwise confusing experiences on these platforms. If you’re searching for actual chicken soup recipes, you might want to try more specific terms like:
- “Homemade chicken soup recipe”
- “Best chicken noodle soup”
- “How to make chicken soup from scratch”
These more specific phrases are less likely to trigger warnings while still helping you find the content you’re actually looking for.
The fact that something as wholesome as chicken soup has been co-opted as a code word for something so harmful is deeply disturbing. But understanding why Facebook flags this term helps us grasp the complex challenges of keeping online spaces safe while allowing normal communication.
As users of these platforms, we should appreciate the efforts to protect vulnerable children, even when it occasionally creates confusing experiences for innocent searches. And we should all remain vigilant about potential misuse of platforms we use everyday.
Next time you’re looking for comfort food recipes on Facebook, just remember to be a bit more specific with your search terms – and know that the warning, while jarring, represents an important effort to protect children from exploitation.
Have you ever encountered unexpected warnings like this on social media? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below.
Predators and Chicken Soup on Facebook
FAQ
Why does Facebook ‘chicken soup’ search trigger child abuse warning?
Facebook ‘chicken soup’ search triggers child abuse warning due to coded language used by exploiters to evade detection.
What is Chicken Soup on Facebook?
The phrase “chicken soup” gained popularity on Facebook as a way for users to identify and share content that promotes positivity and emotional well-being. Over time, it has become a widely recognized term for heartwarming and uplifting posts that bring joy and comfort to those who come across them on the platform.
What does chicken soup mean?
The term “chicken soup” may be used as a code word for child sexual abuse material. Chicken soup has long been thought of as comfort food. Although it probably doesn’t do anything for you when you’re sick, receiving it from a loved one is an act of care and compassion. Chicken soup represents warmth and kindness.
Is a chicken soup search a child abuse warning?
A Chicken Soup’ search yields a child abuse warning explained. On Facebook, it has come to light that unsuspecting users who search for “chicken soup” are suddenly and distressingly presented with the warning, “Child s*xual abuse is illegal.”
Why is Facebook flagging the search term ‘chicken soup’?
Facebook is flagging the search term “chicken soup” because it is sometimes used as a code word for explicit and inappropriate material. Details.
Why do people eat chicken soup on Facebook?
People engage with “chicken soup” content on Facebook because it brings them comfort, joy, and inspiration. In a world where negativity and challenges are prevalent, “chicken soup” posts provide a respite and a sense of hope for those who come across them on the platform.