Cyberstalking and Internet Laws

Pursuant to Florida Statute:

784.048 Stalking; definition
(1) As used in this section, the term:
(d) "Cyberstalk" means to engage in a course of conduct to communicate, or to cause to be communicated, words, images, or language by or through the use of electronic mail or electronic communication, directed at a specific person, causing substantial emotional distress to that person and serving no legitimate purpose.

I belong to an online forum where members discuss local and national news, as well as there is also an “entertainment” section for general discussion, jokes, etc.

Lately several members have accused other members of stalking them throughout the forums. One member even went as far as to track down another member in real life (IRL) and threaten to have her fired from her job. Why? Because her political and religious views were quite different from his and instead of approaching subjects with an open mind, he began to personally attack this member, as well as several others.

Cyberstalking is growing at alarming rates. Stalkers feel there is a wall of safety, posting and emailing anonymously.

According to a report released last month by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, national stalking rates have been found to be the highest for the 18-19 age range (30percent) and 20-24 age ranges (29 percent). The report goes on to include that one in four stalking victims is stalked via the internet, with email being the highest percentage (83 percent), followed by instant messaging (35 percent).

The internet grew so quickly, Federal and State laws have had a hard time keeping up with cyber-crimes. If you feel that you are being cyberstalked or cyberbullied, please contact your local law enforcement agency as State laws will apply (laws differ from State to State Cyberstalking laws by State). The U.S. Department of Justice feels that Federal laws are inadequate at this time and only involves instances of interstate travel.

Internet Security Tips
• Never divulge personal information online. There is no reason to give anyone you meet in a chat room your phone number, address, or Social Security number.
• Use a screen name that is not gender- or age-specific. Reveal no personal information about yourself in your screen name.
• Be cautious when meeting an online acquaintance in person. Especially the first time, meet in a public place and always bring a friend. Never go alone.
• Make sure your Internet Service Provider (ISP) has strict policies that prohibit cyber-stalking. If they do not respond to your complaints, consider using a different ISP.
• Leave an online conversation the minute you begin to feel uncomfortable. You have no obligation to stay.

What To Do If You Are Being Cyber Stalked
• Consider canceling your e-mail account and starting a new one.
• If you are receiving unwanted contact, make it clear to the person that you would like them to stop all communication attempts.
• Save all communications for evidence. Do not alter or edit them in any way. Furthermore, be sure to keep a record of contact with Internet system administrators and law enforcement officials.
• Consider blocking or filtering unwanted messages. Many e-mail programs such as Eudora and Microsoft Outlook have a filter feature. You can configure your software to automatically delete unwanted e-mails.
• If harassment continues after you have asked for it to stop, contact the harasser's ISP. Most ISPs have policies prohibiting the abuse of another person on-line. The ISP may contact the stalker and close their account.
• Contact your local law enforcement agency and inform them of the situation.