Sue internet giants over ‘online crime’, urges Chief Constable

Victims of crime who believe that they were facilitated by online platforms, such as Facebook and YouTube, should sue the social media in the civil courts, according to Shaun Sawyer, Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police.

Sawyer, was quoted in the Sunday Times newspaper. He claimed that the internet has become “a safe space for organised crime”, helping criminals to coordinate their activities and, often, to intimidate their victims.

He said that criminals are able to get away with this because they are protected by “liberal” internet rules. He is now urging members of the public to take the world’s internet giants – Facebook, Google, Apple, Snap and others – to court for abusing their position.

The Chief Constable suggested that criminals are avoiding punishment because technology companies are not doing enough to stop online abuse. ”

In the newspaper interview, Sawyer said these companies are “very good” at creating technical solutions that can assist law enforcement officials. However, many companies are simply choosing not to assist police forces.

“Their algorithms should be able to spot regular visitors, every contact leaves a trace, they have all the IP addresses,” said Sawyer.

Is he right?

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Shalish Mehta

Shalish is an experienced dispute resolution solicitor who joined the firm in 2002 ago upon qualifying as a solicitor and provides a proactive approach whilst retaining the personal touch to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case. He acts on behalf of both private individuals and commercial clients. He can assist and advise at any stage of a dispute including mediation through to court action and injunctions. Shalish is a keen sportsman, regularly playing cricket and five-a-side football and also watching live sport. He enjoys city breaks and takes great pleasure in sampling different cuisines from around the world. Shalish is fluent in Gujarati and will happily represent those for whom Guajarati is the first language, in English. He is also happy to offer his services as a translator to our clients as necessary. What clients say about Shalish: “We feel the service was perfect and found our solicitor, Shalish Mehta, very professional and helpful in all aspects”

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