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Cyber Stalking
Cyber stalking is stalking through the use of the internet and other electronic methods. It has been defined as the use of information and communications technology by an individual to harass another individual, group of individuals, or organization. Frequently, the behaviors include:
- False accusations
- Monitoring
- The transmission of threats
- Identity theft
- The solicitation of minors for sexual purposes
- Damage to data or equipment
- The gathering of information for harassment purposes
The harassment must be such that a reasonable person, in possession of the same information, would regard it as sufficient to cause another reasonable person distress.
There have been a number of key factors identified that are part of cyber stalking. These include:
- False accusations
- Attempts to gather information about the victim
- Encouraging others to harass the victim
- False victimization
- Attacks on data and equipment through the sending of viruses
- Ordering goods or services
- Arranging to meet
Arranging to meet is a threat that is particularly aimed at children.
Cyber stalkers meet, find, or target their victims through search engines, online forums, discussion boards, and chat rooms. More recently, online communities like MySpace, Facebook, Friendster, and Indymedia (a media outlet for self-publishing) have also been used. Victims may be subject to live chat harassment or flaming. Their cyber stalkers may send electronic viruses and unsolicited emails. A cyber stalking victim may not even realize that he or she is being stalked.
To feed their obsessions and curiosity, cyber stalkers may research their targets. In addition, the acts of cyber stalkers can become much more intense than simply researching their target. This can include repeatedly instant messaging their targets.
Contact a Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer
If you think you have been a victim of cyber stalking,
contact the
Chicago personal injury lawyers of Friedman & Bonebrake at 312-466-8200.