Technology changes everything. It not only changes what we do with our free time, but how we think. Fast internet and on-demand entertainment can be linked to shortened attention spans, while knowledge of even complex concepts can be accessed by just about anyone, bridging the gap between societal classes. Another thing that has been transformed thanks to technological advances, specifically social media, is crime.
In the past, law enforcement’s knowledge about criminal activity was limited to what they saw or could get out of informants. Now, social media has opened up a whole new world. In a study of over 1,000 federal, state, and local law enforcement active on social media, 4 out of 5 officials said they used social media to collect information on investigations. In 2011, following the Stanley Cup riots in Vancouver, police took to Facebook and Twitter for tips and were shocked by the response speed and quantity they received from civilians. Social media has not only helped police solve crimes, it’s helped citizens connect with police.
The social media company can refuse the subpoena, but they’re usually savvy enough to know not to stand in the way of justice. In the warrant, law enforcement has to explain why they need access to a profile, and if they need it right away, they can put in an emergency request. When a cop is given access to a profile, they can see everything, from photos to browsing history. In 2006, law enforcement got access to over 800 chats conversations and 2 ½ years of data from a man preying on underage girls. That information was used in court to convict him.
In addition to changing how law enforcement handles crime, social media has changed criminal behavior. Criminals looking for attention now have easy routes to do so. Murder and rape has been recorded and posted on live social media services, and people in the thousands are watching it. Has society become so desensitized to violence that the line between reality and fantasy is blurred beyond recognition? And what’s the responsibility of the social media company? If the company is providing the opportunity for such brazen criminal behavior, they need to also provide a way to prevent it. The company isn’t the one responsible for the actual acts themselves, but they are responsible for the broadcasting platform. It’s time for them to step up.