TY - JOUR
T1 - Ethics in cryptomarket research
AU - Martin, James
AU - Christin, Nicolas
PY - 2016/9/1
Y1 - 2016/9/1
N2 - Background The recent proliferation of cryptomarkets and the associated emergence of a sub-field of research on the anonymous web have outpaced the development of an ethical consensus regarding research methods and dissemination amongst scholars working in this unique online space. The peculiar characteristics of cryptomarket research, which often involves encryption, illegal activity, large-scale data collection, and geographical separation from research participants, challenge conventional ethical frameworks. A further complicating factor for reaching ethical consensus is the confluence of scholars drawn from a variety of academic disciplines, each with their own particular norms, practices and perspectives. This paper is intended to stimulate awareness and debate, and to prompt further reflection amongst scholars studying these fascinating online phenomena. The paper explores tensions and addresses some of the more prominent and pressing ethical questions, including public vs. private online spaces, anonymity, data sharing and ownership, risks and threats to research subjects and researchers. Also discussed is how best to balance the potential harms of cryptomarket research against benefits to the public.
AB - Background The recent proliferation of cryptomarkets and the associated emergence of a sub-field of research on the anonymous web have outpaced the development of an ethical consensus regarding research methods and dissemination amongst scholars working in this unique online space. The peculiar characteristics of cryptomarket research, which often involves encryption, illegal activity, large-scale data collection, and geographical separation from research participants, challenge conventional ethical frameworks. A further complicating factor for reaching ethical consensus is the confluence of scholars drawn from a variety of academic disciplines, each with their own particular norms, practices and perspectives. This paper is intended to stimulate awareness and debate, and to prompt further reflection amongst scholars studying these fascinating online phenomena. The paper explores tensions and addresses some of the more prominent and pressing ethical questions, including public vs. private online spaces, anonymity, data sharing and ownership, risks and threats to research subjects and researchers. Also discussed is how best to balance the potential harms of cryptomarket research against benefits to the public.
KW - Cryptomarkets
KW - Research ethics
KW - Anonymous web
KW - Online drug distribution
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84977509483&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.drugpo.2016.05.006
DO - 10.1016/j.drugpo.2016.05.006
M3 - Article
C2 - 27350571
AN - SCOPUS:84977509483
SN - 0955-3959
VL - 35
SP - 84
EP - 91
JO - International Journal of Drug Policy
JF - International Journal of Drug Policy
ER -