Social networking sites, RIPA and criminal investigations

This, the first of two articles, discusses the uses made by law enforcement agencies of social networking sites (SNSs) for criminal investigation purposes. Explains what SNSs are. Identifies police use of SNSs to investigate known suspects and as a covert surveillance tool to identify and ensnare offenders. Considers the legal issues arising from the use of fake profiles by the police and the regulatory requirements imposed in relation the the various types of police activity on SNSs. Explores potential authorisation problems.

Journal/Publisher: Criminal Law Review, Issue 10

Co-author/s: David ORMEROD

Publication type: Article

Number of pages/Page range: 766-789

Language/s (content): English

Date of publication: 03-01-11

Personal data

Full name Micheal O' FLOINN

Current occupation Member

University/Institution University of Southampton

Address Highfield Southampton

Postal code SO17 1BJ

Telephone 0044 23 8059 3889

Email maof2v12@soton.ac.uk