Meta algorithm flagged student who threatened University of Chile with bomb

A 19-year-old student has been arrested for allegedly making a bomb threat against the University of Chile's Computer Science Department. The arrest occurred Monday, with authorities identifying the suspect through her Instagram account.

The threat was posted on Instagram, and Meta Platforms, the parent company of the social media site, detected the message and alerted authorities within a minute. This rapid alert was crucial in enabling the Police of Investigations (PDI) to apprehend the student. The PDI's Cybercrime Brigade worked with prosecutors from San Fernando and the Metropolitan Center-North.

During the arrest, investigators seized electronic devices, including a cell phone and laptop, from the student's home. These devices will be analyzed by cybercrime experts to further the investigation into the serious threat against an educational institution. The suspect, who had no prior criminal record, appeared in court.

Prosecutors argued for strict measures, and the court ordered the student to sign in bi-weekly, imposed a national travel ban, and prohibited her from entering or approaching the university's Computer Science Department, where she was a student. The prosecutor noted the increasing number of threats made against educational facilities in the Metropolitan Region via digital platforms.