Exploring Dishonest Vulnerability in Digital Finance Platforms — An Actor–network Theory Approach

In this study, we explore and conceptualize dishonest vulnerabilities related to digital finance platforms. We use the actor-network theory approach to illustrate the interaction of human (people) and nonhuman (technology) actors. In particular, we focus on digital finance platform abuse and fraud. Our empirical data are based on criminal reports of vehicle financing. We identify the main actors; actor-worlds; roles of the actors; their interests; and the obligatory passage points in destabilizing the durability of a digital finance platform. Our findings particularly highlight the dual roles of the perpetrator, dealer, and product in dishonest vulnerability on digital finance platforms. Prior literature has not focused on approaches to the dishonest vulnerability of technology for human and nonhuman actors. We have used a critical approach, actor-network theory, to explore digital finance and digital finance platforms. Our findings suggest, that in the development of digital financial platforms, both in technology and in business processes, more attention should be paid to the dual roles of actors to avoid dishonest vulnerabilities.