Honeypots have been created to try to detect terrorists. For example, both the U.S. and Saudi Arabian intelligence agencies have been known to set up such traps in an attempt to ensnare terrorists. The intelligence obtained from such sites has proved invaluable, especially since the terrorist attacks on U.S. soil on September 11, 2001.

Since then, the war on terrorism has helped wipe out more than 70% of al-Qaeda's leadership. As an unfortunate side effect, this success has resulted in al-Qaeda's decentralization. In fact, intelligence reports indicate that today "Al-Qaeda has the most widely dispersed network in the history of modern terrorism. It still has global reach, with a presence in an estimated 65 countries. Its decentralized network makes it particularly hard to suppress: it is a true hydra." Indeed, because al-Qaeda consists of nomadic and amorphous networks characterized by the diffusion of its groups, it challenges the abilities of governments to infiltrate the networks and to track these terrorists. Accordingly, the identities of the terrorists and their whereabouts today are largely unknown. The terrorist attacks on Madrid and London (in 2004 and 2005, respectively) also brought to light a new threat: Individuals engaging in terrorist attacks who were inspired by al-Qaeda's cause rather than directed by its leaders. It is thus becoming increasingly difficult for authorities to find these terrorists. Honeypots help shed some light as to terrorists' identities and their plans.

Honeypots have also been used to catch child predators and child pornographers. For instance, in 2008, the FBI set up a honeypot for child pornographers. Specifically, agents created a website with fake links that claimed to contain videos of minors engaging in sexual activity. Individuals who clicked on these links were subsequently arrested by the FBI.

Numerous joint sting operations have involved the use of honeypots to lure pedophiles and child pornography distributors. Operation Pin was one such example. This joint operation involved law enforcement agencies in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. For Operation Pin, several fake websites were created that held child pornography. When individuals tried to download the material on these sites, they were redirected to a law enforcement website that informed them that their information had been recorded and that they had committed a crime.

1.Which legal issues might be raised with the use of honeypots or honeynets?

2.Do you think honeypots should be used to a greater or lesser extent by law enforcement agencies? Why do you think so?