Social workers at risk over sex-ring conspiracy claims

Social workers are being put at risk by having their names and photographs shared in social media groups frequented by conspiracy theorists.

It is claimed by the conspiracy theorists that looked-after children are being “stolen” for profit.

Parents who appear to have had contact with children’s services make up many of the members in such forums, which have group names relating to social services or adoption, with a number that outline complaints over their individual situations. Others appear to simply be seeking genuine advice.

But some members are also posting claims that induce fear. Some of the phrases that have been written correlate with those used by followers of the QAnon movement, which originated in the US. The disproven fringe conspiracy broadly centres on claims

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