Washington Post: How vigilante ‘predator catchers’ are infiltrating the criminal justice system. “In the past three years, at least 160 groups have been ‘catching predators’ in the United States, according to a Washington Post analysis of their social media posts. This year alone, a YouTube channel tracking catchers has counted more than 920 stings by amateurs. Some are fueled by right-wing rhetoric about ‘groomers’ and the need to ‘save the children.’ Some are parents fearful for their own kids, or, like Schmutte, say they are called by God to do this work. Some make thousands of dollars from clicks and donations.”
Tag Archives: sexual predators
‘Anorexia coach’: sexual predators online are targeting teens wanting to lose weight. Platforms are looking the other way (The Conversation)
The Conversation: ‘Anorexia coach’: sexual predators online are targeting teens wanting to lose weight. Platforms are looking the other way. “My ongoing research, coupled with other media reports, indicates an opportunity for anacoaches has risen in the past few years. My analysis showed that on Twitter alone there are about 300 unique requests for anacoaches around the world daily. Anacoaches operate on numerous channels, including established social platforms such as Twitter, TikTok, Tumblr, and Kik. Despite this, these platforms haven’t addressed the problem.”
New York Times: Video Games and Online Chats Are ‘Hunting Grounds’ for Sexual Predators
New York Times: Video Games and Online Chats Are ‘Hunting Grounds’ for Sexual Predators. “Sexual predators and other bad actors have found an easy access point into the lives of young people: They are meeting them online through multiplayer video games and chat apps, making virtual connections right in their victims’ homes.”