What are the legalities of online research involving illegal services?
<p>I want to do a thesis paper involving illegal online resources. I don't want to be persecuted for these things though. What are some of the steps I would need to take to legitimately go about researching said illegal areas of the internet. Who would I need to contact to gain permission to legally research these sources without any legal ramifications? </p>

<p>You would start by seeking permission from your academic institution.  If they approve it then they should employ their legal counsel to create a safe harbor for your work.</p>

united-states online-piracy academia