Originally published October 9 2005
New device gathers evidence to prosecute cyber-stalkers
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
When users install Predators and Prey Alert, or Papa, the device records messages from multiple online modes like chat rooms and instant messages, helping victims build a case against attackers.
While e-mail can easily be saved as evidence in harassment cases, predators often use multiple modes of online communication, such as online chat rooms, which are harder to record as evidence.
"Capturing (stalkers') real-time chat and instant messages have been obstacles in these cases," said principal investigator Sudhir Aggarwal, a Florida State computer science professor.
Plugged into a USB port of the victim's PC, the Papa system is a secure black box that automatically records all exchanges displayed on screen.
While online, law enforcement officials can remotely monitor all communications and coach the victim using a separate channel.
With the victim's permission, police can remotely take control of the victim's computer and interact directly with the suspect.
"Having agents remotely take over victims' systems to pursue online pedophiles who stalk kids in chat rooms would be a good use of this system," said professor Robert D'Ovidio of Drexel University, who specializes in criminal justice and cybercrime.
Other applications could include training law enforcement agents to pursue cyberstalkers and monitoring the online communications of parolees and prisoners, said Wade Grant, program coordinator for the National White Collar Crime Center, which is helping to evaluate the system.
Depending on demand from law enforcement officials, the Papa system could be commercialized within a year or so, Aggarwal said.
One obstacle the developers face is a lack of cyberstalking statistics.
Last fall, Joelle Ligon made history when -- led by the U.S. attorney's office in Seattle -- she won the first federal case against a cyberstalker, an ex-boyfriend.
The case was costly and involved a large team of investigators, including the Northwest Cyber Crime Task Force -- comprising agents from the FBI, the Secret Service, IRS, Seattle Police Department and Washington State Patrol.
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