First it was your momma on Facebook and now grandma is on Twitter? What’s next?
Crime fighting. Yes, authorities and government officials have got on to the fact that there is a wealth of personal information they would love to get their hands on, just offered up into cyberspace by the very individuals on whom they want the info.
Think about it. We may find nothing wrong with posting about our new job, your raise, or that fact you’ve started an internet business to make extra money. But the IRS thinks that is some information they can use to help collect those back taxes you owe.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the Internal Revenue Service has been using social media in several states, including Minnesota, Nebraska, California to successfully collect back taxes. They employ Google searches, Facebook and MySpace to gather any financially-relevant personal information that could help them in their collection efforts.
Hmmm, the IRS friending me? Shudder. Actually they can’t request friend status under false pretenses, so don’t worry. That is, if you have anything to worry about. Which, I hope you don’t.
And while even those whose financial affairs are on the straight and narrow may bristle at the thought of the IRS monitoring their posts, social media is also being employed to bring scarier criminals to justice.
After a recent break in at the Hollywood Hills home of Linsay Lohan, police used YouTube to aid in the search for the three suspects. Police posted the surveillance video showing the three on the LAPD’s YouTube channel hoping for leads.
So you tell me, do you think this should be admissable evidence? Should the IRS be allowed to use information you post online to collect back taxes?