  In this study, we investigate the scalability of state-of-the-art user
profiling technologies across different online domains. More specifically, this
work aims to understand the reliability and limitations of current
computational stylometry approaches when these are applied to underground fora
in which user populations potentially differ from other online platforms
(predominantly male, younger age and greater computer use) and cyber offenders
who attempt to hide their identity. Because no ground truth is available and no
validated criminal data from historic investigations is available for
validation purposes, we have collected new data from clearweb forums that do
include user demographics and could be more closely related to underground fora
in terms of user population (e.g., tech communities) than commonly used social
media benchmark datasets showing a more balanced user population.
