Alpha1
Well-known member
There's quite a few examples in history where admins let criminal activity on their site fester in some form or another, in open forum or in conversations, and resulting in law enforcement action. This is especially true for niches prone to illegal activity. (weapons, drugs, sex, teens, extremism, etc) As a result admins have considered decentralization as a way to mitigate this risk.
IMHO the solution is to not let illegal activity fester on your site and not taking a hands off approach to content screening and moderation. (if you deal with a high risk niche)
Consider that while the US has section 230, not all other nations not protect forum admins to the same extent. In many countries its illegal to facilitate illegal activity or not to act when you are aware of illegal activity. There are also factors of duty of care and due diligence.
To illustrate an example: if you run a forum for vulnerable teens, and your forum attracts a pedophile ring then not acting proactive on that could land you in hot water in some countries. Or if you run a weapons or drug forum and cartels start doing international trade trough conversation, then chances are that law enforcement may raid your house and server and threaten prosecution. If you run a religious/political debate forum and members start posting extreme and violent manuscripts that can result in terrorism, then that can attract law enforcement activity. That may include infiltration, coaxing and action.
Such things are not an issue for the average forum admin, but in prone niches different can rules apply.
IMHO the solution is to not let illegal activity fester on your site and not taking a hands off approach to content screening and moderation. (if you deal with a high risk niche)
Consider that while the US has section 230, not all other nations not protect forum admins to the same extent. In many countries its illegal to facilitate illegal activity or not to act when you are aware of illegal activity. There are also factors of duty of care and due diligence.
To illustrate an example: if you run a forum for vulnerable teens, and your forum attracts a pedophile ring then not acting proactive on that could land you in hot water in some countries. Or if you run a weapons or drug forum and cartels start doing international trade trough conversation, then chances are that law enforcement may raid your house and server and threaten prosecution. If you run a religious/political debate forum and members start posting extreme and violent manuscripts that can result in terrorism, then that can attract law enforcement activity. That may include infiltration, coaxing and action.
Such things are not an issue for the average forum admin, but in prone niches different can rules apply.