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Instagram used to intimidate witnesses in Philadelphia

Jonathan Riggall

Jonathan Riggall

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Police in Philadelphia have been investigating an Instagram account, rats2015, which has been posting details of violent crime witnesses apparently to ‘expose rats’. This is the latest example of people using Instagram in ways it’s not supposed to be, after previous scandals involving drugs and weaponry.

The rats215 account has published images with details of over 30 witnesses in criminal proceedings, and Police do not know how the owner of the account got the information, which should not be public. Rats215 is the first example of Instagram being used to intimidate witnesses we’ve seen, which is a long way from Instagram’s intended use.

Instagram used to intimidate witnesses in Philadelphia

This summer, Instagram user Matthew Best posted photos of smuggled guns, which lead to his arrest, while the UK’s BBC has exposed examples of people using the service to sell drugs. Instagram, and its owner Facebook have been quick to shut down any accounts that engage in illegal activity. The rats215 accounts was closed by Instagram last week when it was brought to its attention.

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Jonathan Riggall

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