Adapting to the changes in our world as it is can be difficult, especially when it comes to laws. Technology advances have been unpredictable over the last 50 years, and I think it is safe to say no one could have imagined just how advanced things would get or how dependent we are on technology either. Not only is creating laws to address cybercrimes difficult but determining how one could be convicted of these crimes is also extremely difficult. In the Article “Cyber Stalking and Cyber Harassment…” the authors do a great job of explaining why states have struggled to adapt their laws to incorporate cybercrimes. Unlike physical crimes which can be easier to prove, cybercrimes have entirely different aspects for the crime to be proven. The first thing I believe legislative bodies should be doing to respond more rapidly is investing money and possibly creating a team designated to 1. understand all types of cybercrimes and 2. research who and how these crimes are being accomplished in order to have a better understanding of how to convict someone of creating these crimes. I do believe using research is needed in order to have a better understanding of these crimes and who commits them in order to be able to create laws according to their punishments. Another tool I believe would be helpful is media attention and publication. I also believe all states need to work together to help each other better understand these types of crimes and create better laws and punishments. There is a national conference for state legislatures where discussion about cybersecurity is included and every state is encouraged to either participate or learn from others. In 2020 it was recorded that 38 states had either introduced or considered over 280 bills or solutions to handle cybersecurity issues. Research and cooperation are two things that our legislative bodies need to prioritize to help adequately respond to the advances in technology.
Resources
Hazelwood, S. D., & Koon-Magnin, S. (2013). Cyber Stalking and Cyber Harassment Legislation in the United States: A Qualitative Analysis Steven D. Hazelwood1 & Sarah Koon-Magnin2 . International Journal of Cyber Criminology , 7(1), 155–168.
Pam Greenberg, L. K. (2020). Cybersecurity Legislation 2020. National Conference of State Legislatures. Retrieved April 8, 2022, from https://www.ncsl.org/research/telecommunications-and-information-technology/cybersecurity-legislation-2020.aspx