This is an interesting article about law-enforcement’s use of social networking sites to nab suspects:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100316/ap_on_bi_ge/us_feds_on_facebook
Now, to me, just finding evidence in users’ profiles seems OK. If some idiot posts pictures or video of their crimes, haul ’em in. That’s like dealing drugs on public streets or diving a stolen car with it’s original license plate. It’s basically providing evidence for all to see. The probable cause is clear. (Just as there are extra punishments for hate-crimes, there should be extra punishments for stupid-crimes 🙂 )
But what do you think about law-enforcement using false information in an on-line profile. Is that the same as “normal” undercover work, or is it more like entrapment? They’ve done it for years to catch potential sex-offenders.
