Milan tram drivers have been suspended amid an investigation into a WhatsApp group where they allegedly exchanged sexist and vulgar comments about images of female passengers. Prosecutors placed at least one employee of ATM, the city's public transport firm, under investigation for unauthorized access to an IT system and hacking a CCTV system to obtain images. Searches of five other male employees' homes and confiscation of devices have been ordered.
The drivers allegedly commented on photos from CCTV focusing on legs, faces, breasts, and thighs of female passengers. The case emerged after a woman on the number 15 tram saw an off-duty driver viewing the WhatsApp chat containing such images and sexist jokes. She photographed the chat and sent it to a feminist activist, who reported it to ATM.
ATM stated it is conducting an internal inquiry and acted promptly to clarify the episode, verify proper use of company tools, and protect customers and employees. It is unclear if images came from one or multiple trams or were shared beyond the group.
Marco Maria Donzelli, president of Codacons in Lombardy, called the incident serious, noting it could lead to criminal charges and civil compensation claims. Transport union leaders emphasized respect for human dignity and gender equality. Online misogyny is a prevalent issue in Italy, highlighted by last summer's pornographic website featuring doctored images of prominent women, including Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
