As strange as the above headline may seem, it’s actually true. According to a recent article from the Associated Press, FBI agents and other law enforcement personnel are using social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and MySpace to track and gather information about criminals, as well as their families and friends.
Using the Internet to track crime isn’t a new phenomenon. In the late 90s, law enforcement agents in the U.S. were tracking sexual predators on AOL and MSN message boards and chat rooms.
The article explains that the social media of today has evolved far beyond that. This is especially true when it comes to Facebook, a site where users commonly post personal information and upload photos for their online friends.
This practice of using Facebook and other social media sites to track criminals has raised some eyebrows recently, in terms of the legalities involved. A document obtained by The Electronic Frontier Foundation, a civil liberties group, details the usefulness of these sites when it comes to law enforcement.
But not everyone is convinced, in particular, the EFF. The EFF recently obtained the document after filing suit against the agency and five other agencies in an attempt to force government disclosure of the methods, practices, and reasons for using social media for the purpose of tracking and catching criminals.
Look for this issue to gain more media prominence in the coming months. Tell us what you think: Does the use of these sites by federal agents for this purpose violate the civil liberties of those involved, or does the end justify the means?
About the author: Jeune Ortiz is VP of Marketing and Creative Director at future-ink. With more than 20 years of experience in graphic design and marketing, Jeune brings extensive knowledge and creativity to each website and internet marketing solution to grow your business.
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