DO users realise that cyberbullying is a criminal act and should more be done in terms of legislation?

[crom]

But if the cyberbullying continues, can it lead to a criminal conviction? Bullying is not a specific criminal offence but there are laws that can apply to cyberbullying in terms of harassing, menacing and threatening communications. Cyber bullying could be a criminal offence under a number of laws including the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, the Malicious Communications Act 1988, Communications Act 2003 (s127), Public Order Act 1986, and the Obscene Publications Act 1959. When cyberbullying takes the form of computer hacking then criminal penalties under the Computer Misuse Act 1990 may apply. The Defamation Acts of 1952 and 1996 also deal with material published on the internet.


do you agree this spells it out quite well and should websites at yahoo do all in their power to ensure this criminally targeting someone is not allowed to happen

[vemados]

Do you know what I think Gillon? i think it's up to 'us' and no-one else to tolerate this sh1t.

If 'we' as a community refuse to tolerate users who are malicious then what can they do? They lose all their potency.

I have witnessed the most appalling accusations and slander directed at someone who I am close to. Up until this point I am heartily ashamed to say I just ignored the majority.

I hope legally there is some redress for people, How does anyone know the mental state of those they bully and harass? I am NOT talking about Oms here but how does anyone know if your hounding and defamation won't drive someone over the edge?

The other aspect I would like to raise is some bullying towards Oms was very subtle and 'behind the scenes'. Sly digs but a building attack. Many maybe only saw his final reaction to all of this when he reacted to all the personal comments directed at him...to view that episode or any of his knee jerk reactionary comments is GROSSLY UNFAIR.

All the people who I thought were worth a carrot have come out tonight and spoke up against all of this....for weeks I have sat back and watched the injustice of all of this and been made to feel like some sort of deluded person. The main perpetrator was just accepted and carried on regardless. Going by the mails I have received tonight MANY felt the same as I.


IF you know someone is capable of continued and sustained attacks on individuals then YOU SPEAK OUT. Arguments and run ins are totally different - yes they can smolder for weeks. But to set out to target someone for no reason other than your own pleasure...what is that if not a bully?

So just for my own personal take on recent events and what I know now....NOTHING anyone can say to me will ever change my loyalties once they have been won because I don't give them easily. Omstarts is one of the brightest, funniest and loveliest blokes on this entire site- that he didn't handle the full on assault of his character and name is of no detriment to him.He's worth ten of all those who attacked or doubted him.

“That laughter costs too much, which is purchased by the sacrifice of decency”
Quintilian quotes


Sorry to use your Q as my final swan song on this matter Gillon...Haz is now officially putting all of this crapolla to bed. I've said my peice.

[newyddilyn60]

In my (considerable) experience yahoo actively encourages it, and those carrying it out always seem to justify it somehow or other, but when it happens to them they're the first to complain oddly enough

[tonibraxton]

Of course yes its a disgusting criminal act. Something need be done...now.

[smid]

Ah...what's the point of worrying about it. As far as I can see it's best not to rise to that kind of thing. The issue lies with the bullies. They are the ones with problems - this Omsmart or whatever should just draw comfort from that.

[arvad]

Amen to that...

Yes they SHOULD..

You know what shite I had last year, how low I was and how it made me feel. What right has ANYONE to do that to another person? If you don't like someone fine, we all have those that annoy and upset us, but to bully because of it is WRONG!! I sometimes wonder the age and mentally of some who persist in such attacks on others.....is their life that sad that the only enjoyment the get is to bully people who go on a website out of personal choice. As for the age well SADLY and this is VERY sad, the majority that do it are ruddy adults!!!

[colten]

Well said...people should not hide behind the anonymity of an avatar to make other people miserable. Children could be using this site and need to be protected as do other vunerable folk who do not deserve the spite & nastiness of bullies.

[golding]

In my mind there is no difference between a Cyber bully, a bully and a hacker. Their only purpose isto destroy the quality of life for others, I would like to see fines and jail sentences for all of them.

[vohkinne]

I think not, but after the events of today I think some people will think twice before putting finger to keyboard.

[fiacre68]

Gillon- I have never reported anything bar racism, but to be fair, I am getting a little pished at ANY person getting against another on these pages.

If I had a problem with you, I would email you man to man, but intelligently I hope. Why bring "dirty washing" into the public domain?

Give us a break guys!