Some amateur sleuths simply amplify the information others have unearthed, using the hashtag #SeditionHunters, among others. On Jan. 7, the department posted photos of suspected rioters and asked the public for help in identifying them. Advertisement“We understand there’s social media chatter, but we would verify that someone was involved before making an arrest,” she said. Still, experts in tracking hate groups and extremists caution against the growing trend, and potential dangers, of Americans using social media and other surveillance to publicly target the actions of their fellow citizens. People on social media used photos to identify white nationalists who organized and attended the rally, leading to public shaming and some getting fired from their jobs.

Source: Los Angeles Times January 17, 2021 13:02 UTC