Seattle introduces ‘swatting’ protection measures—but does it go far enough?
The Seattle Police Department just launched new safety measures to protect streamers and online personalities from “swatting,” or when a perpetrator phones a fake 911 call in order to send heavily armed police officers to an innocent person’s house. But some internet users think Seattle law enforcement’s solutions place too much onus on the victim and not enough on punishing the aggressor—or policing the police.
In a new page titled “Protect Yourself from Swatting,” the Seattle police revealed that it is working with services Smart 911 and Rave Mobile Safety so residents can create web profiles warning police officers and 911 dispatchers if they are at-risk for swatting. Under Rave Mobile, streamers, online personalities, and other potential victims can tell 911 call takers if swatting ...