CyberStalking
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Cyberstalking
Cyberstalking is not an old concept in the digital world; therefore, it lacks a definition that has been agreed upon. However, various organization whose operations are based on cyberstalking have suggested different definitions of the concept based on the aim of the act. One of the elements that makes an act to qualify as cyberstalking is using technology, specifically the internet to do unwanted surveillance over an individual or group of people. In most cases, stalking is done to deprive a person of their security by making him or her feel threated about safety. Additionally, stalking leads to privacy invasion; therefore the behavior can be considered illegal.
Although strangers can stalk people, in most cases, victims know their stalkers. Stalking involves various approaches, such as catfishing (UNODC). Stalkers can also send unwanted messages to their victims and hack their victims’ online accounts. Cyberstalking is a criminal offense in the United States. Although there is no specific legislation for cyberstalking, in most cases harassment and anti-stalking legislation laws are used to govern cyberstalking. The Violence against Women Act is also used to govern cyberstalking, among other federal laws. However, all these laws do not adequately address the cyberstalking issue in the United States. Therefore, legislators have taken an active role in enacting protective laws to address various incidents of cyberstalking. Currently, thirteen states have implemented anti-cyberstalking laws after the state of California did two decades ago (Klarich, n.d). The law prohibits various things, including the use of an electronic device or email communication to harass another person. Some states, such as New York and Alabama have implemented the anti-cyberstalking law. Additionally, all messages sent through electronic means are covered the anti-stalking laws of Florida and California among other states. Cyberbullying is also prohibited in some states.
References
Klarich, S. (n.d). Understanding Cyberstalking Charges in California – California Penal Code
Section 646.9.
UNODC. Cyberstalking and cyberharassment. Available at
https://www.unodc.org/e4j/en/cybercrime/module-12/key-issues/cyberstalking-and
cyberharassment.html