Cyberstalking and its Laws
Communication through social networks has become common; however, if not conducted sensible and safely, it has significant consequences, such as cyberstalking. Cyberstalking happens in numerous forms, but generally it’s a form of harassment over the internet (Alexy, Burgess, & Baker, 2015). The act is often planned and the stalker does it continually. In most cases, cyberstalking starts as a harmless interaction; however, it becomes annoying and threatening as it continues. For instance, when a social media user receives unpleasant messages, he or she can be amused and moves on. However, when these messages become consistent, they become a form of harassment. Cyberstalking victims are advised to report harassing messages to website owners and legal authorities because they can affect their mental health. However, cyberstalking does not only involve communication but also monitoring that can go on without the victim noticing.
Prosecuting cyberstalking offenders remains a challenge as most stalkers manage to keep themselves anonymous. Additionally, most countries do not have cyberstalking laws. However, in the United States, cyberstalking is a criminal offense punishable under multiple laws, including anti-harassment laws and the Violence against Women Act. Therefore, victims of stalking in the United States are protected because stalkers are punished and even imprisoned depending on the severity of the case. However, cyberstalking is not fully addressed because there is no federal legislation to address cyberstalking. The first anti-cyberstalking law was established in 1999 in California and since then, several cyberstalking cases have been filed and victims got justice. The anti-cyberstalking law protects all Americans who use technology, specifically the internet to communicate and interact on social sites. The law prohibits the use of electronic devices to send harassing and threatening messages. According to the law, it is also illegal to monitor other people’s online activities and behavior to use the information for malicious reasons.
References
Alexy, E. M., Burgess, A. W., & Baker, T. (2005). Internet offenders. Journal of Interpersonal
Violence, 20(7), 804-812.
Shouse Law Group. (2020). California Cyberstalking Laws. California Cyberstalking Laws.