This exploratory study aims to review the risks and threats of social network services(SNSs), particularly focusing upon the policing perspective. This paper seeks to acknowledge the present risk/danger of SNSs and the very significance of establishing a strategic framework to effectively prevent and/or control criminal misuse of SNSs. This research thus advocates that proactive study on security issues and criminal aspects of SNSs and preventive countermeasures can play a significant role in policing the networked society in the time of digital/internet age.
Social network sites have been increasingly attracting the attention of entrepreneurs, and academic researchers as well. In this exploratory article, the researcher tried to define concepts and features of SNSs and describe a variety of issues and threats posed by SNSs. After summarizing existing security risks, the researcher also investigated both the potential threats to privacy associated with SNSs, such as ID theft and fraud, and the very danger
of SNSs in case of being utilized by terrorists and/or criminals, including cyber-criminals.
In this study, the researcher primarily used literature reviews and empirical methods. The researcher thus conducted extensive case studies and literature reviews on SNSs. The literature reviews herein cover theoretical discussions on characteristics, usefulness, and/or potential danger/harm of SNSs. Through the literature review, the researcher also concentrated upon being able to identify a strategic framework for law enforcement to effectively prevent criminal misuse of SNSs
The limitation of this study can be lack of statistical data and attempts to examine previously un-researched area in the field of SNS and its security risks and potential criminal misuse. Thus, to supplement this exploratory study, more objective theoretical models and/or statistical approaches would be needed to provide law enforcement with sustainable policing framework and contribute to suggesting policy implications.