Unmasking cyber vigilantism: MRU prof explores online justice

A new breed of vigilantes has emerged from the shadows of cyberspace. These modern-day guardians of the digital realm are neither caped crusaders nor masked avengers, but they do wield a power that challenges traditional notions of justice.

Welcome to the world of cyber vigilantism, where the line between hero and villain blurs in the name of online righteousness.

At the forefront of studying this phenomenon is Dr. Leanna Ireland, PhD, assistant professor of criminal justice in the Department of Economics, Justice and Policy Studies at Mount Royal University. With a keen interest in vigilantism in the online world, Ireland is shedding light on new forms of activism, social movements and justice-seeking behaviour.

The rise of cyber vigilantism

Vigilantism — where people take justice into their own hands — has a long history, dating back to ancient times. The internet has moved the practice forward by allowing millions of people to engage in a single act of vigilantism all at once. Despite new technology, motives such as frustration over the inaction of authorities have remained largely unchanged over time.

Today, some self-appointed crimefighters target serious criminal offences such as child exploitation. For example, one of the top results for “ped(ophile) hunter” on TikTok is an account with more than 183,000 followers.

Others take on socially deviant cases. An early example comes from 2005 in which a young woman refused to clean up after her dog did its business in a subway car in South Korea. A fellow commuter posted pictures on social media and the incident turned into a viral sensation, sparking outrage online.

“Undoubtedly, acts of cyber vigilantism are becoming more commonplace with the proliferation of digital tools,” Ireland says. “More people — regardless of their technical skills — can now engage in cyber vigilantism efforts.

“It doesn’t take much to create an X or TikTok account and shame someone for their actions and, or, release their personal information (a process known as doxxing).”

She adds, “I’d also say that the phenomenon is becoming more normalized because of the accessibility and widespread nature of social media. Some people enjoy seeing informal justice take place, especially from the comfort of their own home.”

Motivations and methods

Cyber vigilantes are often motivated by a sense of moral duty and a desire to hold wrongdoers accountable. They use a range of tools, including social-media platforms, online forums and petitions. While some actions might be taken with the best of intentions, there is a fine line between cyber vigilantism and online harassment.

Ireland’s work highlights the complexities of this new form of justice, and she emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of this phenomenon. For instance, when considering the intersection of the public and police, she notes that the labels of “good and bad” are highly contextual and usually come down to the details of each case.

“Some in the public see a value to ‘average’ civilians proactively assisting the police,” Ireland says. “They watch the news. They see or hear about continuing concerns. They think the police are struggling and view assistance as useful.

“The police have the difficult task of harnessing the power of the crowd. How do the police, or even technology companies, manage the crowd and provide them useful opportunities to assist in cybersecurity and policing activities?”

For instance, the European agency Europol allows people to become “involved” in active investigations by identifying objects from censored images of exploitative child imagery.

Ireland’s research extends beyond the application of cyber justice to delve into factors contributing to public support for internet-based advocacy. She studies the public’s response to perceived injustices in society. These responses can include  hunting pedophiles, mapping police shootings and launching retributive cyber-attacks.

In September 2023, she published an article in Criminal Justice Studies: A Critical Journal of Crime, Law and Society that considers the way people view the fairness of legal institutions.

Ireland surveyed a group of adults to see if people's perceptions about the authorities would affect their opinions about cyber vigilantism. She then applied a model from Dr. Tom R. Tyler, PhD, of Yale University, involving the concept of procedural justice.

Surprisingly, her findings revealed an uptick in support for cyber vigilantism among people who believed justice had been applied equally across people and communities. She explained that the sample group might have been wary about “overly protecting wrongdoers” or they might have seen cyber vigilantes as working hand-in-hand with law enforcement.

Still, this intriguing discovery challenges conventional wisdom and opens up new avenues for research.

The road ahead: Balancing accountability and responsibility

The emergence of cyber vigilantism raises a variety of ethical and legal questions. It challenges the boundaries of free speech and privacy, and the role of law enforcement in an era where anyone with an internet connection can become a cyber detective or judge.

In the ever-evolving landscape of the internet, Ireland’s research on cyber vigilantism is timely and essential. Her work provides insights into online justice and serves as a call to action for individuals and organizations alike. Her work also necessitates further investigation into the interplay between beliefs in justice and public support for online vigilantism, providing a rich ground for future research.

“As we continue to grapple with the complexities of the online world, Dr. Ireland’s research will undoubtedly play a role in shaping the conversation around the future of cyber justice,” says Dr. Kari Roberts, PhD, chair of the Department of Economics, Justice and Policy Studies at Mount Royal University. “Her dedication to unravelling the mysteries of cyber vigilantism underscores our university's commitment to being at the forefront of knowledge and exploring the pressing issues of our time.”