How many iPads would it take to back up the internet?

The ‘power’ of social media has once again fallen under scrutiny, thanks to a Facebook group set up to “name and shame” paedophiles. Chris Wittwer, a 34-year-old warehouse worker, has spent two years compiling a page (complete with gallery) with almost 6,000 names of convicted sex attackers.

This, to me, seems like dangerous territory indeed. There is a clear case for public interest; parents in particular might feel comforted by such a database of individuals. But there are a lot of other factors to consider here, particularly with the use of photographs. What if Chris uses a photo from a newspaper, which incorrectly identified the offender? The newspaper might print a correction a few days later, but this information might not be noticed by Chris. And what if the incorrectly identified person was then targeted by members of this group, beaten up, subsequently died of his/her injuries?

There are other possibilities too, such as Chris being found in contempt of court for publishing the images should someone on his list be arrested in association with a separate crime. This group, and indeed sites that hosts such groups, show how the internet age complicates our laws and legal proceedings, due to the immense amount of information that can be stored, cached, and reused however someone chooses.

And if you were wondering how much information we’re talking about, you better get your dictionary and a pen out. Zettabytes might sound like a breakfast cereal, but they are all the lexicographical rage now dahhling. That’s an awful lot of lolcats.