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Cybercrime

Internet regulation

Content of every conceivable variety may be found in cyberspace. Erotica, racist propaganda, information relating to the manufacture of drugs and explosives, and instructions on how to commit suicide, now lie at one's fingertips. How to protect children and those who are easily offended, while allowing the emerging medium of the internet to flourish, has become a challenge to most governments, and to many parents, in the developed world.

It is an understandable reaction to any perceived social evil to attempt to legislate it away. Early efforts to regulate internet content are illustrative. In some instances, these efforts have been grounded jointly in cynicism and realpolitik. Attempts to prohibit anonymous online communications may discourage legitimate expression such as that involving whistleblowers or human rights advocates residing with the jurisdiction of repressive regimes. Although the rush to regulate, or to criminalize, may have political resonance, it may have downside consequences.

The risk, or indeed, the fact, that freedom of speech will be abused by some, is insufficient justification for 'pulling the plug' on telecommunications. One must always bear in mind that excessive constraints on freedom of expression and communication may inhibit the realization of competitive advantage.

Source: Grabosky P 1998. Crime and technology in the global village, paper presented at the Internet crime conference, 16-17 Feb 1998

See also: Legal issues; Child abuse images and pornography, Unsolicited bulk email ('spam')

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