An Introduction to Cyber Crowdsourcing (Human Flesh Search) in the Greater China Region

Abstract

Cyber crowdsourcing, known as Human Flesh Searching (HFS) in Chinese, is a popular online behaviour in the Great China Region. It has been used to identify people involved in crime and behaviours such as corruption or sex scandals. This chapter aims to provide an insight into cyber crowdsourcing in the Greater China Region. It suggests that most HFS activity in the Greater China Region is not just a meaningless random play; it can help stop antisocial behaviour through public shaming and help police solve crimes by providing new evidence. However, as HFS can also have negative consequences for society, we have to make sure that evidence collected via cyber crowdsourcing does not cause more harm than good.