PREPARING THE REPORT: WHAT NOT TO DO

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 1. Lack of Context or Misinterpretation

 

 • Inaccurate Analysis: Hunters may misinterpret or mislabel benign content as CSAM, leading to false accusations or wasting investigative resources. ENSURE certainty that what you are reporting is true and accurate.

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 • Over-Reporting: Sending large volumes of poorly documented or irrelevant information can overwhelm authorities and make it harder for investigators to prioritize real threats.

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2. Violating Legal Protocols

 

 • Possession of Illegal Content: Downloading, storing, or redistributing CSAM—even with the intent to report it—is itself a federal crime. This jeopardizes the hunter and the investigation, as authorities must now address the hunter’s criminal act.

 • DDoS Attacks or Platform Interference: Attacking or shutting down sites can destroy or obscure potential evidence, making it harder for law enforcement to track offenders and their networks.

 • Public Disclosure: Sharing details of investigations, including offender names or suspected crimes, on social media or public forums can alert offenders, prompting them to delete evidence, relocate, or change their methods.

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3. Mishandling Evidence

 

 • Alteration of Metadata: If hunters download, modify, or re-upload content, they change critical metadata, such as timestamps, geolocation, or file creation details. These alterations make it difficult for investigators to establish the chain of custody and verify the authenticity of the evidence.

 • Failure to Preserve Original Content: Screenshots or other derivative formats are often not enough for law enforcement. Without the original file or a properly captured forensic image, the evidence lacks integrity.

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5. Mixing Evidence with Personal Opinions

 

 • Biased Documentation: Including personal commentary, assumptions, or speculative links between individuals and crimes can taint an otherwise legitimate report.

 • Confusion Over Intent: When hunters attempt to interpret data without expertise, they may unintentionally introduce inaccuracies or false connections.

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6. Lack of Verification

 

 • Submitting Unverified Content: Failing to confirm the legitimacy of flagged accounts, content, or claims before reporting can lead to investigators chasing false leads.

 • Inadequate Documentation: Poorly documented evidence, such as incomplete URLs, vague descriptions, or missing timestamps, can hinder law enforcement’s ability to act effectively.