Category: Internet Crimes

The online world is no longer the Wild West that it used to be. Today, there are laws around what may and may not be done online. During a dramatic election year, this is more relevant than ever.

In Colorado, there are internet laws against harassment that apply to all electronic interactions. The difference between debate and harassing someone online is subtle but important.

Crossing the line from legal communication

The advent of the internet has given rise to a special type of theft crime—identity theft.

Identity theft involves using another’s identity without their consent for your own benefit. Typically, identity theft is used to for financial gain—for instance, to apply for credit cards, loans, or housing. With identity theft crimes, offenders take personal information from a victim without their consent by illegal means, such as stealing their mail, wallet,

This month, Colorado House lawmakers passed a bill that would make cyberbullying a misdemeanor harassment charge. After being approved by the House, the proposal is now on its way to the Senate for consideration.

 

If the bill is passed, bullying on social media sites and other forms of technology may be penalized with up to six months of jail time and up to $750 in fines. Supporters of the