Digital kidnapping

Digital kidnapping (DK) is the theft of a minor's photos, posing as them, or posing as their parents.[1] DK is commonly done to reveal private or sensitive information that negatively impacts the child's life, making it difficult to gain acceptance to college, or subjecting them to bullying. In rare cases, a kidnapper may assume the identity of a parent, making the impostor's followers believe that they are the child's parent. By posing as a peer or authority figure, adults may also gather information about minors, and use it in real world crimes, such as kidnapping.[2][3]

Not to be confused with identity theft, the use of another person's identity for personal advantage.

Cases

On November 10, 7:30 a 12-year-old girl left her house to go to school. Victor Yanez Arroyo picked her up in his automobile. She talked with him over an Xbox live chat and Kik, where she revealed her address.[2] Although the man did not pose as anyone, he had used digital devices to manipulate the girl, violating the law. [4]

Punishment

In the United States, the act of reposting photos is legal, and does not lead to punishment. However the misappropriation of name or likeness is illegal, or can result in a lawsuit.[5] In addition to this, it is illegal to publish private facts, such as addresses and birthdates, under the Publication of Private Facts law.[6]

See also

References
  1. "The Growing Threat to Your Kids Online". ParentMap. Retrieved 2020-03-06.
  2. Gallagher, Sean (2014-11-20). "12-year-old's online life brings an abductor to her doorstep". Ars Technica. Retrieved 2020-03-06.
  3. Business, Samantha Murphy Kelly, CNN. "Virtual kidnappings are rattling families across the US". CNN. Retrieved 2020-03-06.
  4. Hu, Jane C. "Instagram's "digital kidnappers" are stealing children's photos and making up new lives". Quartz. Retrieved 2020-11-21.
  5. "Using the Name or Likeness of Another | Digital Media Law Project". www.dmlp.org. Retrieved 2020-03-06.
  6. "Publication of Private Facts | Digital Media Law Project". www.dmlp.org. Retrieved 2020-03-06.
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