Cyberstalking

Cyberstalking

Cyberstalking is when an individual, group of individuals or organisation, use the Internet to harass one or more individuals. For example, sending threats and false accusations, identity theft, data theft, damage to data or equipment and computer monitoring.
Cyberstalking – The Law
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.

What can I do about Cyber Stalking and Harassment?
Many professionals suggest that victims should 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.