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• 1 2017-06-27T13:50:53-07:00 Definitions 21 plain 2019-06-12T17:21:21-07:00 In the past few years, acts classified as online or cybervigilantism have attracted much public attention in Asia and worldwide. As online behaviors are constantly evolving, some people confuse this behavior with other forms of cyber-“deviance” like cyber-harassment, cyberbullying, and other acts of political activism.
   

  So, what is cybervigilantism?

  According to Smallridge, Wagner, and Crowl (2016), cybervigilantism is applicable to a range of contemporary online behaviors, but must possess at least six features:
  1. At least minimal planning, premeditation, and organization must take place
  2. The act is carried out by private agents or state agents acting outside of their official duties
  3. Agents must not have support or authority granted to them by the state
  4. The act involves non-physical or physical threats, harm, or violence
  5. The motivation behind the act must be a response to perceived crime or social deviance
  6. The goal is to provide assurances of safety or security to group members or target audience
  
  According to Cheong and Gong (2010), crowdsourced acts of vigilantism have been popular. This phenomenon is often described as the “human flesh search engine” in China.
   

  Did you know?

  In China, the first widely publicized cyber manhunt was sparked in 2006 by the circulation of online videos showing a woman killing a kitten with her high heels. Enraged netizens posted the woman’s photograph online and urged people to track her down. This virtual collaboration soon brought to light the woman’s name and workplace and led to her occupational suspension and public apology.
  
  Video: Human flesh search and Egyptian graffiti
  Source: China uncensored