New York Senator Charles Schumer proposed new legislation on April 11 that would encourage the public to report social media tips regarding potential terror attacks.
The law would include a cash reward of $25,000 for any social media tip that helps law enforcement hone in on terrorism plans. This reward could go higher, depending on the situation.
"There is no doubt about it, ISIS actively uses social media as one of their main weapons," said Schumer. "We are in a time when a terrorist a world away can corrupt a disaffected youth — and with just a few posts or tweets, can push them to plan or carry out acts of terror. We need the public's eyes to alert authorities if they see someone they know writing things they know spell trouble. And we need to offer a minimum reward for this information if it actually does prevent an attack."
In his statement, Schumer also noted the arrest of an ISIS recruiter in Rochester, N.Y., as well as the San Bernardino terror attack, linking these instances to social media use. The senator specified that posts made on social networks can be clear warning signs and potentially prevent terror attacks.
"Just like we encourage the public to say something if they see something on the street or in the subways, the social media public should also be encouraged to say something if they see something, especially on their newsfeed," Schumer continued. "With ISIS using social media to recruit and plan terror attacks reaching disaffected lone wolves, the feds must do more to increase the number of public eyes on social media to prevent attacks."
At the moment, current law does not specify that tips from social networks warrant cash rewards. The U.S. Department of Justice's Reward for Justice Program permits the Secretary of State to authorize rewards for information leading to the arrest or conviction of individuals who plan, commit or attempt terrorist acts.
Officially proposed as the "Preventing Terrorism Through Social Media Act of 2016," Schumer's legislation will require the Secretary of State to provide rewards for social media tips, should it come to pass.
