FBI using Facebook in fight against crime

FBI using Facebook in fight against crime

www.guardian.co.uk

Any criminals dumb enough to brag about their exploits on social networking sites have now been warned: the next Facebook "friend" who contacts you may be an FBI agent.

US federal law enforcement agents have been using social networking sites ‑ including Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace and Twitter ‑ to search for evidence and witnesses in criminal cases, and in some instances, track suspects, according to a newly released justice department memo.

FBI agents have created fake personalities ‑ in apparent contravention of some of the sites' rules ‑ in order to befriend suspects and l

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Ever since 9/11 we all have gotten used to the idea that even our most ordinary telephone conversations may be under surveillance. It's probably not a surprise to most people to find that the FBI is using Facebook and other social media sites to spy on us as well.

As our parents used to tell us, don't talk to strangers. As social networking can be a valuable way to meet new and interesting people, one of it's most important functions has now been co-opted.

Most people know better than to post accurate personal information on the internet, of course. Now we have even more reason to regard our Twitter followers or Facebook friends with hostility and suspicion.

Just don't mention the name of the guy you got that good stuff from.

www.guardian.co.uk
(visit the link for the full news article)

Originally posted by Sestias

Just don't mention the name of the guy you got that good stuff from.

This law is for these guys.

Why wouldn't they use it? They helped to partially fund it when it was first on-line, or so I've read.

Local law enforcement agencies use it to locate people, and now employers are checking to see who they are "really hiring", before they hire you.

Face book can be fun, and is a nice way to communicate and keep up with old friends. Just think of everything you post as it is intended for public consumption -- because it is.

But the entire idea of an agent signing up specifically to befriend someone and lure them into a false trusting relationship, kind of rings a little of entrapment, doesn't it?

I really don't like the idea of that kind of deception.

[edit on 3/16/2010 by ladyinwaiting]

My comments are directed at the article and not the OP. I know this is "news" in
a sense that it is a recently published article, however is this really "news" to
anyone here on ATS? I feel like I have known this information since I first heard
of social networking. Why wouldn't the governments tentacles pry their way into
every social network or association there is? No duh!!!

What they do is dress up as firemen and go into peoples homes, and put fire alarms in there with cameras, and mics. They put firealarms with cameras in you home, and watch your home, and put mics in there too.

These people pay scum (criminals), to find people the fbi can framed, who have done nothing, while the criminal is paid.

Good system.

Today everyone has to be careful, of this terror group(fbi), plus others like mi5 trying to destroy and murder innocent people, for criminals looking to make some money out of it.

Its rife, and they do not care as long as they(fbi) are murdering anyone.

reply to post by keepureye2thesky


I think what may be different about this is the fact that they are now assuming false identities. We have known of course, they lurk, and find out anything they can about whoever they might be interested it.

But this seems to take it to another level.

Don't use social networking, easy as that. Or if you choose to use it, don't put anything on the internet you don't want the whole world knowing. I'm amazed at the amount of personal and downright embarrassing info people put on their pages.

Originally posted by ladyinwaiting
reply to post by keepureye2thesky

 

I think what may be different about this is the fact that they are now assuming false identities. We have known of course, they lurk, and find out anything they can about whoever they might be interested it.

But this seems to take it to another level.

True, I hear ya. I'll be honest my preconceived vision of their role on these sites included, making up false names and entrapment. Not trying to sound like
"I told you so" at all, but there is corruption everywhere, and every system is subject to tampering and misuse. I stand by my original comment: No Duh!! (again directed at the article).. I'd never kill a messenger.

Originally posted by Hypntick
Don't use social networking, easy as that. Or if you choose to use it, don't put anything on the internet you don't want the whole world knowing. I'm amazed at the amount of personal and downright embarrassing info people put on their pages.

I would have to agree with you 100% , I deleted my facebook account a month or two ago and im glad i did ..... People should use their brains when saying stuff online and this wouldnt affect you at all ..

is it possible that facebook is a CIA profiling site? ive seen may clips like this one on utube it would make sense (like IBM and the nazis) www.youtube.com...

That last line was funny.

Though in this case the example given was that of a person who was fleeing the FBI due to Bank Fraud Charges.
That's understandable the FBI would move in this way. It's silly not to think they would.

Big brother got way out of control after 911 true, but I'm not sure this is a case of that.

Why is this revelation a surprise? It is only obvious given the fountain of information accumulated on that site, that law enforcement will access it if given the opportunity. Is it an invasion of privacy by the authorities, employers, or anyone to look at peoples' information on these social networking sites? That is the stickler, and is currently being debated. There is no definitive interpretation of how it involves the law and a citizen's right to privacy. So, it is what many would refer to as a gray area.

I guess it comes down to registering or not? In the event one registers, they leave themselves open to prying eyes and curiosity. However, there are privacy settings on Facebook, and many are unaware of how to implement them. The user has the tools to make their content private, if they deem it necessary. Moreover, if a law enforcement agency wants to gain access to information that is made private by the user, they have to get a warrant to retrieve that information from the service provider. At least that is what I think, and how I think the law would interpret it?

I could be wrong though, because of the Patriot Act and other more intrusive investigative capabilities given to authorities after 9-11? It makes sense, that in an investigation into someones' social networking profile if the privacy settings are maxed would need a warrant, and no different than when authorities need a warrant to search someone's private residence. I suppose they would have to give the user a copy of the warrant and the service provider before accessing. Again, I am only using deductive reasoning with my analysis of this issue, so I could be wrong? Things tend to make less sense as the days go by. . .

Moreover, if a criminal posts alleged acts on a social networking site, then they are making themselves vulnerable to prosecution. Therefore, people should use sound judgment before putting information on social networking sites and be mindful of people soliciting their friendship. Then, one should ensure that their privacy settings are utilized to the user's specifications. Is data mining going on with Facebook, maybe? However, the law is the law and if information is gained from such a medium for prosecution of a crime, it must be done so through proper legal channels, if one's profile is set to private. Now, if someone lets anyone and everyone view their profile, then they are opening themselves up to unwanted intrusion. As the old Navy adage goes: "Loose lips sink ships."

I sometimes get random people trying to add me. One guy was 24 and from america and this doesnt really match my age or location. He could of been anyone. Just stick to people you know and sort out privacy. Or just dont be dumb enough to tell the whole of facebook what illegal activity you just took part in

Originally posted by dragonsmusic
That last line was funny.

Though in this case the example given was that of a person who was fleeing the FBI due to Bank Fraud Charges.
That's understandable the FBI would move in this way. It's silly not to think they would.

Big brother got way out of control after 911 true, but I'm not sure this is a case of that.

To support what you're saying, if anyone is dumb enough to post personal information on what is essentially a public forum, then they might have issues beyond naivete.

I personally take precautions to keep my private information (on-line purchases, etc.) secret but there's always the possibility of hackers getting it anyway.

It becomes a question of "do people who have broken the law have any rights to privacy at all?"

I think i'm good, I said hello to the FBI on my facebook yesterday, and none of my friend's said hello back......