Cyber Stalking and Cyber Bullying
The need to protect internet users’ privacy in the fast-developing world of technology is crucial as it has been linked to negative outcomes. Internets’ discovery has been the greatest achievement in the world of both science and technology. By gaining popularity around the world, this tool has contributed to achieving our daily tasks. However, despite internets’ association to its positive impacts, it faces other adverse effects as a result of exclusive unethical use. For instance; the internet has been used to stalk, bully, and harass other individuals. This has prompted different governments to structure laws and policies that aid in regulating the accessibility of the internet. This paper will, therefore, discuss different cases related to cybercrimes and the by-laws set to ensure that the privacy of the user is upheld.
Cases Related to Cyber Stalking and Cyber Bullying
Different platforms, such as text messages, social networks, and email, are some of the technology used in defaming and embarrassing victims. Under the United States Department of Justice (2016), it is an offense to prevent a person from belonging to a particular group. Therefore, using images or words that are intended to intimidate someone can lead the party intending to subject such individuals to a criminal offense. Additionally, an offensive or cruel remark towards someone’s religion, sexuality, or race by use of the internet is regarded as unlawful. By deliberately disclosing information that is considered private to the public is in itself harmful toward the reputation of the victim. Impersonation is also considered a high contributor to the rising number of cyberbullies and cyberstalkers. By impersonating a victim to sending threatening or posting hateful massages to specific issues is also considered illegal (Hazelwood, 2013). Posting of videos without the consent of the owner is also considered disrespectful hence, the implication of legal measures can be taken.
Cyber Stalking and Cyber Bullying Laws
According to the United States of America’s statute 2261A regarding stalking, the law states that perpetrators of crimes through electronic devices or any facilities over the internet are subjected to criminal acts (United States Department of Justice, 2016). Individuals with ill motives such as harassing, intimidating, or afflicting injury on a recipient are liable to their actions and might result in them attracting a jail term of not less than five years. Cyberstalking can range from simple acts such as sending anonymous love texts to extreme acts by persons with psychiatric disorders that may lead to fatal results in the end (Pittaro, 2007). Since cyber bullies and stalkers hide behind anonymity, different governments are structuring numerous ways of making sure that they reduce the level at which these criminal operate.
In conclusion, internets’ discovery was one of humans’ greatest achievement. However, with it’s rapid widespread and accessibility within different countries, several individuals have decided to unethically associate themselves negatively to its use. Cybercriminals hide behind the mask of anonymity while performing criminal acts towards their victims by exposing private information to the public, impersonating them or stalking them in manners that suggest ill motives. Their intention to psychologically traumatize their victims has led to several governments’ developments of laws and policies that help in harboring such behaviors by apprehending cyber bullies and cyber stalkers and subjected to justice. It is therefore important for people to practice good moral values while using the internet. The government should also take the initiative in creating awareness among its people on the value of using the internet in a productive state rather than that of criminal activities.
References
Hazelwood, S. D., & Koon-Magnin, S. (December 01, 2013). Cyberstalking and cyber harassment legislation in the United States: A qualitative analysis. International Journal of Cyber Criminology, 7, 2, 155-168.
Pittaro, M. L. (January 01, 2007). Cyberstalking: An Analysis of Online Harassment and intimidation. International Journal of Cyber Criminology, 1, 2.)
United States Department of Justice. (May 2016). Cyber Misbehaviour. Volume 64