Illegal Internet Content

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Certain types of information posted on the Internet is considered offensive and in many cases, illegal. It is important that illegal content found on the Internet first be reported to your Internet service provider (ISP), then to local, state, and federal government agencies. The following represent some illegal as well as potentially illegal situations and information that should be reported:

• Cyber harassment or stalking

• Illegal activities, such as bomb threats or terrorism

• Threatening hate crimes

• Computer hacking

• Physical threats

• Child pornography

• Illegal advertisements

• Internet scams

Cyber Stalking

Cyber stalking is defined as the continuous computerized harassment of another person. A cyber stalker will typically stalk or harass others over the Internet using e-mail, Instant Messaging, or other forms of electronic communication. Many ISPs and Instant Messaging software programs offer the ability to block and report potentially threatening users that seem harmful or display threatening behavior.

Cyber stalking is not a legal definition and is not technically considered a crime. However, if a potentially threatening person makes personal threats and uses other threatening means such as phone calls, physical threats, or physically stalks another, electronic evidence trails and documentation might be considered admissible if deemed relevant.

To be on the safe side, any potentially threatening event or person should be reported to your ISP and local authorities.

Cyber Pornography

The Internet was originally created as a communications tool for government use. It then grew into an awesome and vast educational tool. Over time, it has become one of the largest distribution points for free as well as commercialized pornographic material. Congress is currently working on developing and passing laws to better protect privacy and unwanted advertisements that display pornographic material. If you are concerned with children under the age of 18 years of age viewing offensive material and information on the Internet, you should invest in software that blocks access to this type of material. Most ISPs offer the ability to shield or block your system and browser from accessing or displaying unwanted pornography.

Note 

Computer crimes are separated into two categories: crimes that are carried out against a computer and crimes committed using a computer.

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