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‘A group of behaviours in which an individual, group of individuals or organisation, uses information and communications technology to harass one or more individuals. Such behaviours may include, but are not limited to, the transmission of threats and false accusations, identity theft, data theft, damage to data or equipment, computer monitoring, the solicitation of minors for sexual purposes and confrontation. Harassment is defined as a course of action that a reasonable person, in possession of the same information, would think causes another reasonable person to suffer emotional distress.’
(Bocij and McFarlane, 2002)
Cyberstalking – The Law
Protection Against Harassment Act (1997)
Legal protection against stalking is provided in the UK by the Protection Against Harassment Act (1997) and covers all forms of communication including electronic. This makes it illegal to 'pursue a course of conduct which amounts to harassment of another and which the defendant knows or ought to know amounts to harassment of another'. In addition this also makes it illegal to put another in fear.
Human Rights Act (1998)
The Human Rights Act also offers protection under the following clauses:
Article 2: Right to Life
Article 8: Right to respect for Private and Family Life
Is Cyberstalking the Same as Stalking?
Cyberstalking may use internet and mobile technologies as a further method of facilitating off-line stalking – but – the use internet and mobile technologies may also allow a set of new behaviours to develop that are not associated with offline stalking.
How do Cyber-stalkers use mobile and internet technologies?
Use of the internet and mobile technologies allows a lot of personal information to be gathered about an individual and be used for the purposes of cyberstalking.
‘…the Internet contains a vast amount of personal information about people and makes it relatively easy to search for specific items. As well as containing people’s addresses and phone numbers, the Internet records many of our actions, choices, interests and desires. Databases containing social security numbers, credit card numbers, medical history, criminal records and much more can also be accessed using the Internet. Additionally, cyberstalkers can use the Internet to harass specific individuals or acquire new victims from a large pool of potential targets’ (Casey, 2000)
What can I do about Cyber Stalking and Harassment?
Many professionals suggest that victims refrain from engaging in further dialogue or communication with the stalker and would advise against answering silent callers, getting into remonstrations with them or going to meet perpetrators in person.
Top Tip
Keep records of any abusive or harassing behaviours or communications:
Advice and Information
Other people you can contact:
• Police
• Mobile Company or Provider
• Internet Service Provider
• Chat Room Host or Moderator
• Messenger/Chat Services
• Internet Watch Foundation
Further Links
Cyberstalking and Internet Safety FAQ
Issues Related to Bullying
Sources: Cyberspace Research Unit
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