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A double-edged sword: the potential benefits and risks associated with the use of online platforms in fighting crime. Written by: Dille Wienese

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"Technology is a tool that can allow us to create a better future, but it is not a silver bullet."

-       Tim Cook, CEO of Apple Inc.

 

On the 18th of March 2019, the Netherlands was shaken by a devastating attack that occurred on a tram in Utrecht. The incident resulted in the loss of four lives and left several others injured or traumatized. The perpetrator, Gökmen T., was apprehended on the same day after a manhunt and has been sentenced to life in prison (Korvinus, 2021). Following the attack, the danger level was raised to an unprecedented level of 5, which is the highest level possible. Meanwhile, group chats of my family and friends started circulating pictures of possible suspects, hints, and motives of the shooter. Although I did not think much of it then, I now realize that such speculation can have dire consequences for innocent individuals suspected of a crime. Afterward, an innocent man who was detained in connection with the Utrecht incident spoke out that on social media he has “been called a traitor, and on the streets, they still shout ‘Gökmen’ to me!'" all because pictures of him were rapidly shared online after his arrest (RTL, 2019).

As more aspects of our lives move online, it is important to recognize both the potential benefits and risks associated with the use of online platforms in fighting crime. Due to an increase in online communities - which provide a sense of anonymity and a feeling of empowerment – it has become easier for individuals to take matters into their own hands. As a result, online vigilantism has been on the rise. Broadly speaking, online vigilantism refers to the use of social media platforms and the internet by individuals or groups to seek justice or take action against perceived wrongdoings, often outside the legal system (Chang, 2017; Loveluck, 2019). Consequently, online communities dedicated to tracking down criminals, such as subreddit "r/RBI" (Reddit Bureau of Investigation), began to emerge, offering individuals the opportunity to share information and work together to identify and apprehend suspects (Abad-Santos, 2013).

 

Consequences of online vigilantism

In our society, various forms of digital vigilantism are becoming more common. One of the most common forms is the use of social media or dedicated websites to share evidence in order to solve crimes or find missing persons (Chang, 2017). Nevertheless, such platforms are also used as a mechanism for ‘naming and shaming’ potential suspects when someone believes that legal punishment is or was insufficient (Loveluck, 2019). Another common instance where people resort to online vigilantism is in cases of animal cruelty. In such instances, online sleuths collect evidence and publish personal information of the accused, or even encourage others to harass them via email, text messages, or social media (Netflix, 2019). Similarly, sex offenders often fall victim to online vigilantism and in some instances, this has even led to death (Csernyik, 2018). Especially in the US many sex offenders were killed or continuously harassed as it was so easy to access their personal information through national online sex offender registries (Csernyik, 2018). By circulating pictures or personal information online, it becomes very easy for online sleuths to locate individuals and exert some form of online self-justice. These actions, however, often circumvent institutional frameworks, established ethical norms, and legal principles.

One of the main concerns is whether online sleuths are consistent with an acceptable concept of justice. Especially when the aim is to seek self-justice, important principles like due process, the presumption of innocence, double jeopardy, or privacy rights are easily breached.  However, it is important to acknowledge that seeking self-justice is one of the last steps in the process of online vigilantism and that prior steps might be a valuable attribution for police investigations.

To elaborate, with the fast amount of data and the abundance of anonymous material available online, it is nearly impossible for law enforcement to pursue all conceivable leads. Individuals gathering evidence on a specific case while sharing their findings with law enforcement can result in a more effective application of their policing resources. In some cases, for example, digital vigilantism can help generate leads for law enforcement and bring attention to illegal activities that may not have otherwise been reported.

In addition, law enforcement is increasingly using social media platforms themselves to disseminate information, raise awareness, and solicit assistance in specific investigations. This is understandable since more research is showing the positive results of public participation in resolving criminal cases (Kop et al., 2020).

 

How further?

The rise of online vigilantism has led to calls for new laws that specifically address this phenomenon (). However, since this problem is so big and is still very undefined it is very hard to directly address this problem through legislation. Nevertheless, a (legal) framework that would regulate online vigilantism and provide guidelines for law enforcement, media platforms, and the public would be the first step to making everyone more aware of the potential risks of online vigilantism.

 

Conclusion

As a last note, the rise of online vigilantism presents a double-edged sword with both benefits and risks. While it can aid law enforcement by generating leads and bringing attention to illegal activities, it can also lead to self-justice and the violation of important ethical principles. As more aspects of our lives move online, it is crucial to balance the potential risks and possibilities associated with online platforms in fighting crime. Rather than ignoring the technological advancements and capabilities of online sleuths, law enforcement could better work with these technological developments and find new techniques to effectively deal with instances of online vigilantism. Additionally, education on disinformation and the potential harm of speculation is vital, especially during high-profile moments like the terrorist attack in Utrecht. By addressing these issues, we can promote a more just and responsible use of online platforms in fighting crime.




References

Abad-Santos, A. (2013, April 22). Reddit’s “Find Boston Bombers” Founder Says “It Was a Disaster” but “Incredible.” The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2013/04/reddit-find-boston-bombers-founder-interview/315987/

Chang, Lennon Y. C., and Ryan Poon. “Internet Vigilantism: Attitudes and Experiences of University Students Toward Cyber Crowdsourcing in Hong Kong.” International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology 61, no. 16 (2017): 1912–32. https://doi.org/10.1177/0306624X16639037.

Csernyik, R. (2018). How Sex Offender Registries Can Result in Vigilante Murder. Www.vice.com. https://www.vice.com/en/article/ne9ew7/how-sex-offender-registries-can-result-in-vigilante-murder

Houterman, K. (2019, September 22). Broers die onterecht in cel zaten na tramaanslag naar rechter: “Spullen kwijt, nooit excuses, niks.” RTL Nieuws. https://www.rtlnieuws.nl/nieuws/nederland/artikel/4830501/aanslag-utrecht-schadevergoeding-onterecht-gevangenis-excuus

Kop, N., Brinkhoff, S., & van Halderen, R. C. (2020). Burgeropsporing: kansen en uitdagingen in een snel ontwikkelende praktijk. Tijdschrift Voor Veiligheid, 19(2-3), 3–7. https://doi.org/10.5553/tvv/187279482020019203001

Korvinus, H. (2021). Rapport “Aanslag in een tram in Utrecht, 18 maart 2019” - Rapport - Inspectie Justitie en Veiligheid. In www.inspectie-jenv.nl. Ministerie van Justitie en Veiligheid. https://www.inspectie-jenv.nl/Publicaties/rapporten/2021/05/26/rapport-aanslag-in-een-tram-in-utrecht-18-maart-2019

Loveluck, B. (2019). The many shades of digital vigilantism. A typology of online self-justice. Global Crime, 3(4), 1–29. https://doi.org/10.1080/17440572.2019.1614444

Netflix. (2019, December 4). Don’t F**k With Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer | Official Trailer | Netflix. In YouTube. Netflix. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x41SMm-9-i4

 



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