Could it be, that keyboard warriors who intimidate and harass people from the safety of their homes will finally get treated like people who stalk face to face?
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The NSW government’s plans to amend the law to get tougher on people who stalk or intimidate online or via text message is a step in the right direction.
The proposed amendments allow NSW Police to seek apprehended violence orders in response to serious online abuse.
"Modern technology requires modern laws," state Attorney-General Mark Speakman said.
"This is not about protecting people's injured feelings. This is about protecting people against potentially devastating psychological and tragic consequences."
And that’s the crucial point – online harassment hurts. It cuts deep and make no mistake, it can lead to death.
It’s not funny to publicly shame and it’s not fair to target someone and humiliate or badger them in cyberspace.
Police Commissioner Mick Fuller says technology allows people to harass others 24/7 using computers and smartphones. He’s right.
"These changes give NSW Police the power to attack these offenders back in their homes," he said. "We (will) have the power to arrest them and also take out apprehended violence orders that include this type of cyberbullying."
The government is essentially clarifying the Crimes Act to make clear that online activity can amount to stalking and intimidation.
The law would complement federal legislation but have tougher penalties - a five-year maximum as opposed to three years for the commonwealth offence.
The state opposition will back the changes. In fact Labor leader Luke Foley wants the government to go a step further and focus on prevention not just punishment.
It seems both sides of politics are on the same page with this one. We all should be.
Until you’re a victim, you have no place saying cyber crime is harmless or doesn’t hurt. It does – it can cut deep and should not be tolerated.