Stalking Amanda: The Man in the Shadows

Stalking Amanda tells the tragic story of Amanda Todd, a Canadian teenager whose life was irrevocably changed by online harassment and blackmail. It follows Amanda’s journey from an innocent 11-year-old girl to a victim of relentless cyberstalking and sextortion, ultimately leading to her suicide at the age of 15.

The film begins by introducing Amanda as a spirited and creative young girl who loved technology and dreamed of becoming famous. Her online presence started innocently with singing videos on YouTube, but soon took a dark turn when she began using webcam chat sites. At the age of 11, Amanda made a decision that would haunt her for years to come: she flashed her chest on camera during a live stream.

This moment was captured by a man using the online alias “Tyler Buu,” who then began blackmailing Amanda, demanding more explicit content and threatening to share her image if she didn’t comply. The documentary details the escalating threats and harassment Amanda faced, both online and in real life, as her topless photo was shared among her peers and on pornographic websites. It also explores the role of law enforcement in Amanda’s case, revealing the challenges faced by police in tracking down online predators. It highlights the frustration of Amanda’s parents, particularly her mother Carol, as they struggled to protect their daughter and sought help from authorities.

The film focuses on the investigation to unmask “Tyler Buu” and other online aliases used by the same individual. It reveals how Facebook’s internal investigation connected multiple accounts and victims across different countries, eventually leading to the arrest of Aydin Coban in the Netherlands. It also sheds light on the broader issue of online predators and the phenomenon of “capping,” where individuals capture and trade images of young girls from webcam chats. It includes interviews with Amanda’s friends, providing insight into the mindset of teenagers navigating the dangers of the internet.

The documentary concludes by discussing the aftermath of Amanda’s death, including the global response to her story and the changes it prompted in how law enforcement handles cases of online extortion. It also touches on the ongoing investigation and legal proceedings against Aydin Coban, as well as efforts to identify and help other victims.

Throughout, Amanda’s own words are featured through chat logs and social media posts, giving viewers a haunting glimpse into her struggles and her attempts to fight back against her tormentor. It serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking online and the devastating impact of cyberbullying and sextortion on young lives.