The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) set up a fake Facebook account using personal photographs and information it took from the phone of a woman who had not consented. The DEA hoped to trick her friends into revealing information about a drug ring.
In 2011, Sondra Arquiett pleaded guilty to "conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute" cocaine. She had gotten involved while dating an abusive boyfriend. She was sentenced in January 2012 to time served and some time on house arrest.
Then, DEA Agent Timothy Sinnigen created a fake Facebook account posing as Sondra. He posted her private photos, including photos of her and those of her with young children. He sent and accepted friend requests.
No one has the right to impersonate individuals online without their consent. The actions of the DEA agent could have led to serious harm for Sondra. Tell the Justice Department to uphold Sondra's right to privacy and prosecute the DEA Agent Timothy Sinnigen, who impersonated her without her consent!
Following media attention, the case is now under review by the Justice Department. But the government previously argued this use of information is legitamite because Sondra granted access to her cell phone. But that doesn't mean she consented to the DEA posting the information online!
“I may allow someone to come into my home and search, but that doesn’t mean they can take the photos from my coffee table and post them online," Anita L. Allen, professor at the University of Pennsylvania, told BuzzFeed.
Tell the Justice Department to uphold Sondra's right to privacy and prosecute the DEA Agent Timothy Sinnigen who impersonated her without her consent!
