Milan public transport workers exchanged CCTV images of female passengers in sexist WhatsApp chat, sparking internal probe
A passenger on a Milan tram discovered employees of public transport company ATM exchanging surveillance camera images of women’s intimate body parts in a WhatsApp group called “Staff Ticinese,” accompanied by sexist comments. ATM launched an internal investigation on Sunday.
Discovery on tram 15
On Saturday morning, a woman travelling on tram line 15 from Piazza Duomo to Rozzano sat next to a man wearing an ATM driver’s uniform. She noticed his phone displayed a WhatsApp group titled “Staff Ticinese” in which a dense stream of images of women was being shared. The passenger suspected the images were still frames taken from the on-board surveillance system and documented the exchange.
The WhatsApp group and its content
The group circulated surveillance stills focusing on women’s breasts, legs, thighs and intimate areas. Messages accompanying the images included sexist remarks and obscene phrases. Writer and activist Carlotta Vagnoli, who made the case public, described the content as yet another instance of “technology facilitated gender based violence,” where unaware women’s bodies are filmed, shared and commented on with violence and sexism among colleagues.
Yet another chat where the bodies of women unaware of being filmed are exchanged and commented on with violence and sexism among colleagues: this time the case hits Milan’s public transport, since it is some drivers of the city’s vehicles who are passing around the security camera frames.
ATM’s response
After the passenger reported the incident, ATM opened an internal investigation on Sunday and promised a “very harsh reaction.” The company said it had immediately acted “to shed full light on the episode, verify the proper use of company tools, protect customers and the thousands of honest employees who work every day at the service of the city.”
We firmly believe in respect as a fundamental and non-negotiable value. We will act in every appropriate venue regarding any irregularities committed.
Public amplification
The episode was first detailed in Vagnoli’s newsletter “Rassegna Stanca” and then amplified on Instagram by several influencers, including former “Isola dei Famosi” contestant Carly Tommasini. Italian daily Corriere della Sera also covered the story.
- Passenger observes ATM driver exchanging surveillance images in WhatsApp group 'Staff Ticinese' on tram 15.
- ATM opens internal investigation.
- ATM issues official statement pledging full clarity and action; story reported by multiple outlets.
