A reader who wishes to remain anonymous writes:
While Truth About Guns isn’t a social media site, with its busy comment section and active readers, it almost functions as one. So it’s worth mentioning that readers should be aware (not necessarily “beware”) of the possible consequences.
According to a post at US Law Shield, prosecutors and police are increasingly using social media as evidence in prosecutions. An example highlighted was a case in which someone posted a photo of themselves with a wildlife trophy, a specific breed of deer that’s not legal to hunt.
It’s possible for wildlife officers to see this photo and use that photo to press charges against the individual.
Another example is a group of pictures of a gun owner showing off various firearms. That person later became a “person of interest” in an investigation and the photos were used against the show-off.
The most applicable example is postings by a gun owner declaring themselves ready and willing to defend themselves and family by use of firearms. The implication being that said person was aggressive, just itching to shoot an intruder.
Even an innocent photo here and there of you and your friends at the range or showing off your new addition to your collection can be used against you. Imagine an enterprising prosecutor, gathering dozens of photos with you and firearms posted over a long period of time, to make it seem like you’re gun crazy. …A picture tells a thousand words and even when there’s no unlawful activity in your post, it may be misconstrued or misinterpreted, and used against you by law enforcement.
The point of it all is that you should keep in mind that, like bullets, postings on social media can end up having a lawyer attached. A New York politician has proposed that gun buyers undergo a social media background check before being allowed to purchase a gun. Be mindful of that in the comments and photos that you post.