Harassment by computer

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Harassment by computer is a crime in several U.S. states (see computer crime). It is distinct from stalking in that stalking typically requires two or more contacts, whereas harassment by computer may be a single incident. It is also different from regular harassment, because the offense typically encompasses a range of crimes that would not be considered harassment if conducted in person.

Connecticut was the first state to pass a statute making it a criminal offense to harass someone by computer. Michigan, Arizona, and Virginia have also passed laws banning harassment by electronic means^[1][2]

[edit] See also

• Cyberbullying
• Cyberstalking
• Computer trespass

[edit] External links

• www.cyberbullying.us
• State Computer Harassment or "Cyberstalking" Laws, National Conference of State Legislatures.
• http://www.haltabuse.org

[edit] References

1. ^ [1]^{[dead link]}
2. ^ "Section 18.2-152.7:1". Code of Virginia. Legislative Information System of Virginia. http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+18.2-152.7C1. Retrieved on 2008-11-27. 

• Bahrampour, Tara: Student, 13, Charged in Washington-Lee Scare, The Washington Post, May 27, 2005.
• Code of Virginia, § 18.2-152.7:1. Harassment by computer; penalty.
• Code of Virginia, § 18.2-416. Punishment for using abusive language to another.
• Code of Virginia, § 18.2-427. Use of profane, threatening or indecent language over public airways.
• Coffee, Gordon A. and Klein, Charles B.: Combating Cyber-Torts: Protections and Pitfalls of the Virginia Computer Crimes Act, Virginia Bar Association News Journal, Jan. 2003.
• Man Gets Two Years for Pretending to Be Ex-Wife Online, Associated Press, 2004.
• Rabinovitz, Jonathan: In Connecticut,harassment by computer is now a crime, New York Times, June 13, 1995.