Cyber Ecoviolence: Illegal Wildlife Trade on the Internet
A Talk by Dr Delon Omrow , Dr Peter Stoett , Prof Phillip Cassey , Dr Michelle Anagnostou and John Scanlon
About this Talk
This panel will explore the illegal wildlife trade and cybercrime - not as two distinct but interconnected issues. Introducing the term “cyber ecoviolence”, panelists will explore cybercriminality and social media platforms and the internet - the latter drives the demand for exotic pets, traditional medicines, luxury goods, and trophies. This, in turn, leads to ecoviolence such as poverty, exploitation and corruption. From illegal websites and forums using encrypted messaging apps for communication, cybercriminality and the illegal wildlife trade, if unchecked, will extend its global reach, perpetuating "cyber ecoviolence". The panel concludes with thoughts on what a multifaceted approach for mitigation looks like - whether it is partnerships with social media platforms like TikTok, or a combination of law enforcement, policy measures, international cooperation and public awareness campaigns.
About The Speakers
Ontario Tech University, Ontario Tech University
Postdoctoral Fellow, Instructor and Co-author of "Spheres of Transnational Ecoviolence", Ontario Tech University and Centennial College
Ontario Tech University
Dean of Social Science and Humanities, Ontario Tech University; IPBES Assessment Co-chair; expertise in global environmental governance and international human rights
ARC Industry Laureate Fellow, Adelaide University
Prof Phil Cassey is an inaugural Australian Research Council Industry Laureate Fellow working to combat wildlife crime and prevent environmental harm.
University of Oxford
Banting Postdoctoral Fellow; Experience researching illegal wildlife trade for seven years