Cyber Bullying : A Crime Against Humanity

The world has currently gone a notch higher with regards to technology and its use and it has become the driving factor of almost every other activity. However, there are a number of people who abuse the communication technology through cyber stalking. In today’s world, cyber stalking is becoming common. Cyber stalking may be defined as the use of the Internet or other electronic means to stalk or harass an individual, a group, or an organization. It may include false accusations, defamation, slander and libel. It may also include monitoring, identity theft, threats, vandalism, and solicitation for sex, or gathering information that may be used to threaten or harass an individual. Cyber stalking is often accompanied by real time or offline stalking. Both are criminal offences. They are motivated by a desire to control, intimidate or influence a victim. A stalker may be an online stranger or a person whom the target knows. He may be anonymous and solicit involvement of other people online who do not even know the target.

Cyber stalking is a criminal offence under various international anti-stalking, slander and harassment laws. A conviction can result in a restraining order, probation, or criminal penalties against the assailant, including jail term. Most users of the social media today have become victims and targets of these assailants. This act can be carried out by strangers or persons who are known to the targets. Either way, some degree of familiarity must have been existing or exists between the bully and his victim. The medium used by these people is becoming continuously wide in scope and involves the use of all social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter and messenger. These acts includes constant sending of messages, texts, e-mails, images, videos, voice notes or making calls or video calls to the victim. In today’s world, cyber stalking is becoming common. Cyber stalking may be defined as the use of the Internet or other electronic means to stalk or harass an individual, a group, or an organization. It may include false accusations, defamation, slander and libel. It may also include monitoring, identity theft, threats, vandalism, and solicitation for sex, or gathering information that may be used to threaten or harass an individual. Cyber stalking is often accompanied by real time or offline stalking. Both are criminal offences. They are motivated by a desire to control, intimidate or influence a victim.