Cyber-Stalking Has No Group Boundaries

By David Simms, Senior Contributor

The Global Institute for Cyber Safety and Standards

Cyber-stalking is generally not a gender, cultural, or other group-specific phenomenon. It can be inflicted by anybody with an internet connection and can be received by anybody via the same. Whether the stalker has a particular personal grudge against their target or they enjoy the psychological high and sense of control they experience when damaging and harassing the lives of others they don’t know or have a personal connection to has no bearing on propensity toward any one group over another.

The latest statistics show that cyber-harassment is experienced almost equally among all groups. There are also interesting statistics showing people who have recently moved from one country to another, or whose parents are immigrants to a new country, experience a slightly higher frequency of internet harassment. Many in this group are also more likely to be perpetrators of the bullying and harassment. It is speculated that this has something to do with being a defense mechanism to preempt attacks against themselves.

What's behind internet trolls?

By Abigail Clarke: Contributing Content Blogger

We're all in for a bit of a shock when taking a look at the mentality behind Internet trolls. How a person can find fulfillment spreading their hateful remarks on others is hard for those normal of us to understand. It's said that trolls share the same aggressive tendencies as pedophiles, rapists, serial killers, and other abusive characters – and I would agree.  There is still research being done to determine if Internet social media platforms act as a catalyst for physical aggression or if they actually work to draw attention away from carrying out aggression in the physical realm.  To me it seems both could be argued but I tend to believe there is a much greater probability that a troubled person, already predisposed to acting out hate against others online, would be more likely to carry out physical aggression than not. Simply put, social media caters to the cyber troll’s destructive nature and encourages them to act out, not retreat. Studies in bio sciences have actually shown that aggression builds especially strong pathways in the brain to which more and more stimulation is required in order to feel satisfied. This vicious cycle can easily be seen by the countless incidents of aggressive trolls crossing the line – breaking into homes, stalking their victims, and ultimately taking physical action that has led to numerous criminal acts of harassment, rape, and murder.

Every Internet troll should be regarded as dangerous. The first mistake would be to trivialise or disregard any threats of physical harm. This is not to mean that we should ever engage these people, it only means that sick people do act on their aggressive and violent thoughts. Today, with the growing ease in which personal information can be obtained, no one is really perfectly safe.  This is why awareness, vigilance, and swift-acting law enforcement are key components when it comes to establishing effective cyber-safety measures. At the same time, we must not fear Internet trolls to the extent they prevent us from living our lives.

By Carolyn Davies, Contributing Content Blogger

I thought this was well worthy of sharing. This video clip about cyberbullying was posted nearly 9 years ago but it's still as pertinent and poignant today as it was then if not more. Please watch and share. This video was created in 2006 but that was still at a time cyber hate and abuse was just beginning. Look at the technology in this video in the outdated computers and old mobile phones and consider how far the cyber world has come and how all the more deadly and dangerous it is today. Then give ponderance to how deadly and dangerous it will be 9 years from now if nothing is done and the internet continues with no global safety policies and protocol standards. 

(Series Piece 2) Anna Kavanaugh - Syndicated Columnist. Weekly Column - Cyber Abuse: The Virtual Violent Crime

By David Simms, Senior Contributor

The Global Institute for Cyber Safety and Standards

Today we again proudly publish for syndication our featured columnist, Anna Kavanaugh, and her brilliant column, Cyber Abuse: The Virtual Violent Crime. This is Piece 2 and an excellent read in her column series. Anna's is a distinctive and ardent voice of expertise and wisdom in defining and describing what she rightly deems a global pandemic of virtual confusion whereby a societal breakdown of empathy and compassion confuse and pose serious threat to legal boundaries and civilised conduct. It is our honour to now present you with another perceptive and powerful installment of Anna's weekly column. Comments are open on the full article page for feedback and to encourage discussion.

Cyber Abuse: The Virtual Violent Crime. (Series Piece 2)

Written by Anna Kavanaugh, Syndicated Columnist 

Published for syndication by: The Global Institute for Cyber Safety and Standards (GICSS)

The internet has become ground zero to some of the most vicious and profoundly cruel abuse afflicting our society today. It is a gateway for what we are only beginning to understand as virtual violent crime. As victim suicides continue to rise at staggering rates, it is imperative for us to change the dialogue regarding cyber-abuse. Contrary to the comforting advice passed down to children for generations, the online world has dramatically changed its meaning. The more accurate reality of today is this: sticks and stones may break bones, but words can really kill. And they are killing every day.

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Right To Be Forgotten

By David Simms, Senior Contributor
The Global Institute for Cyber Safety and Standards

In today’s digital world of cyberspace, hate comments, derogatory remarks, or embarrassing photographs that are posted can remain there indefinitely. This has presented a unique problem for those targeted because they have little to no recourse in having harmful content removed. In the not-too-distant-past when a rumour was told it may have made its way about the local circle but would eventually die out. In cyberspace  there is no refuge or reprieve as the same types of damaging personal information or fabrications of such, are ticker-taped around the world.  This has prompted something called the “right to be forgotten” which is becoming a practice in the European Union and Argentina. 

The right to be forgotten enables an individual to have certain data deleted from the internet so that it cannot be viewed or traced. It has been described as the right to remove from view, past events in life that are no longer occurring thereby preventing search engines from indexing them. So far this has helped many find solace from the online harassment experienced in their lives, but it is being challenged in countries such as the United States. The primary argument against “right to be forgotten” is the “right to free speech” which is a central ideology and constitutional right in America.  Interestingly though, current broad interpretations of free speech have nothing to do with its original context, which dealt with the rights of citisens to freely speak opinions against their government without the threat of harm or prejudice toward them for doing so.  The right to be forgotten seems to be a sensible and appropriate practice that should be implemented everywhere yet isn't at the expense of victims.

By Carolyn Davies, Contributing Content Blogger

I discovered this video that should be shared. This is another gripping reminder of the effects of cyberbullying. It's a well made statement about the plight of a young Indian girl who is cyber bullied to death in another tragedy related to cyber hate. This is appropriately and simply called Anguish. Please watch and share.

A Global Network to Fight a Global Problem

By David Simms, Senior Contributor

There is an organisation known as the Child Helpline International (CHI) who is doing much great work. CHI is conducting ongoing development and support of toll-free child helplines worldwide and uses data to detect inconsistencies and weaknesses in existing child protection systems. This organisation was started in India some 25 years ago and was originally known as Childline India.   Their approach was to have volunteers speak on the phone directly to children in need and keep logs of all calls.  From there it evolved into a global network. Now, helplines around the world can join under the umbrella of CHI as long as they meet basic criteria. 

At present there are 127 countries involved. In the 25 years CHI has been in operation, cyberbullying and harassment has become more of a central problem they deal with on a daily basis. This is a very tangible indication that the issue of cyberbullying is significantly supplanting the crisis’ youth face in the modern age. It is pleasing to see that CHI is pioneering such a service to young people around the globe. Their work is very similar to ours here at the Global Institute however our focus is expanded to help adults facing the destruction in their lives due to cyber harassment. We are also aligned with the modes of communication typically used in this day and age.  It is of utmost importance that we bond together in our fight and that we adapt to changing technologies. 

As the world evolves in its communications it is our policy that, so too must we. In order to be effective it is our philosophy the battle must be fought where these crimes are taking place which is primarily through social media sites that are now accessed more by smartphone or ipads.

The United Nations Weighs in on Cyber Hate

By Carolyn Davies, Contributing Content Blogger

Although this meeting occurred a few years ago, United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon speaks about the position of the United Nations on the problem of cyber hate.  It is recognised as a valid worldwide issue that must be addressed.

Free speech confused.

By Abigail Clarke: Contributing Content Blogger 

If there is one thing that boils me it's people using the argument of free speech to justify the behaviours of cyber haters attacking others with their hate. This is offensive to any victim and I've no issue saying it's an outright stupid thing to say. Even though many countries do not have the right to free speech embedded in their constitutions, the concept is still pulled out of the bag by cyber attackers everywhere regardless of country. These people feel completely justified jabbing and ripping at others through the internet unbelievably feeling they have the right to do so.  If confronted, these people claim the right to freely say what they like as if there is an implicit right to free speech everywhere, but more than that they equate a right to free speech as an open license to harm others to the extent of death. 

Right of free speech is one of the most bastardised and contorted justifications used on the internet today. Younger generations are misunderstanding the original intent of the concept. In the United States, right to free speech was a protection put in place to allow citizens to openly criticise the government without retaliation. It has now somehow morphed into individuals thinking they have the right to wield abusive and hateful cyber attacks on whomever they choose for whatever reason they deem appropriate. This is not restricted to just within the United States. The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, states “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers”. Several countries such as in Africa, India, Australia, and many others, have specific free speech laws extended to their citizens. This ingrained misconception of free speech has become a universal standard by which cyber harassment is condoned worldwide. 

The right of free speech and the freedom to attack others with hateful poisonous language, need to be distinguished from one another and then enforceable laws in place to prevent the damaging effects of online hate attacks. 

Creating Mentors

By David Simms, Senior Contributor

Since the dawning of the digital age, computer technology and now the blossoming internet have come so far. Unfortunately along with its splendor and wonder, we must also accept the monumental amount of negativity and hate that is regularly rippled throughout the fabric of cyberspace. Hate that erodes away the integrity of the human spirit.  Though we may not be ourselves victims directly, we can still be affected by the mere observation of damage happening to others. We all lose! Cyber harassment, bullying, stalking, hate, are all aspects of the larger category of cybercrime.  These crimes are executed at more elevated rates than has ever been seen and on a wider scope than has ever been seen.  The problem has exploded internationally reaching to nearly all communities.  It is for this reason the Global Institute was created. It is a work dedicated to providing not only a safe haven for those under attack but also an opportunity for those with heart, to become involved and give of themselves to help fellow brothers and sisters. We have been working to consolidate information from a multitude of countries to our website in an effort to show the world it is not an isolated problem. Although every country has its own set of laws, constraints, cultural challenges, economic challenges, and so forth, there is value in sharing each other’s challenges, so that we can find a common thread and common identity. It is only then that it can be fully addressed and conquered. 

The problem of cybercrime is happening everywhere. Therefore communities and individuals need the tools to protect and heal themselves before they can then move to help others. It is our goal to write so that people will see, speak so that people will hear, and educate so that they will do. Our mentorship program was established for this purpose. Mentors possess the training to help victims of cyber-crime where it matters. We try to align victims with mentors sharing similar cultural backgrounds however, it is not always necessary as the crimes of cyber-hate transcend culture. To our fortune, we have been blessed with wonderful resources and exceptional individuals who are committed to training our mentors. To these incredible people we owe much and it is through them that our faith in humanity is regained.  It is our sincere desire that you join us if not as a mentor, as a supporter of what we stand for.

Rising Awareness

By Abigail Clarke: Contributing Content Blogger 

It astonishes me when I think of the rise in awareness toward cyber bullying and other cyber hate crimes. There is so much great work done now to spread the word and expose the problem. More people today know about the life consuming nature of cyber hate than ever before in history and the number is growing. I've not got the numbers, but it may appear cyber hate crimes and the resulting deaths caused by them are increasing and this is spite of all the progress. Any monumental problem requires monumental effort to tackle it. Hope is not lost! This is one of the primary reasons the Global Institute for Cyber Safety and Standards was established. The importance of sustaining the momentum set well in motion throughout the world is to not only uncover injustices terrorising our children and other internet users, but to offer a launch pad for fighting the issue head on. Through education, we are reaching millions, but education alone may not be enough. We must inspire people who hear the message, to act.  This is an age old difficulty that can be seen even in the chambers of lawmakers in all countries.

Certain countries are getting tough by passing laws that hold cyber terrorists accountable for the damage they cause. It is not as easy as it sounds. The majority of countries are still concerned about the overall effect such laws will have on their citizens and are thus hesitant to implement anything similar. Those bold enough to pioneer new laws governing cybercrimes are true global leaders. They set a precedent for the rest, allowing others a front row seat as to their effectiveness. 

The Dark Side of Social Media

By David Simms, Senior Contributor

Social Media is where most cyber bullying and harassment take place with the top sites being Facebook and Twitter among others. These websites have exploded in popularity to the extent they have become part of the fabric of our physical existence. It is getting to the point that people spend more time engaged in virtual social media interactions than physical ones, which is proving to be the case for all cultures. Although these platforms originate in the United States, they are just as popular among countries around the world. It is interesting to note that along with social sites coming to other countries, online stalking, harassment, and bullying have in turn escalated. There appears to be a correlation! It taps into that aspect of human nature that has a need to tear down others we view as threatening or whom we do not agree with in some way.  

The tendency to attack others for whatever reason has always been there. In many cases we choose not to act on destructive thoughts and actions for fear of what might happen to us in return. However through the medium of the internet, this fear is not a factor. Now, through the internet, hateful and violent behaviours can be expressed much more easily and without the risk of physical confrontation. In a relatively short time, it is becoming the new acceptable standard in dealing with personal and relationship issues with others and is becoming more apparent especially in younger generations. Some might argue this negative trend is being encouraged by the social media providers themselves. I might have to agree. Social media makes it extremely difficult for victims of cyber hate to protect themselves or have any recourse against those attacking them. It is already a problem in the United States but it is particularly difficult for those with a different cultural paradigm.  For example, in many countries what would be considered moderately dressed for a woman in American is considered blasphemous and punishable by death.  Yet these American-based social media providers offer protection according to their own cultural views. The extreme disconnect with platforms like Facebook and Twitter have provoked countries such as China, North Korea, and Iran to ban them from use by their citizens.