How does cyber technology impact interactions between offenders and victims? How should we approach the development of cyber-policy and -infrastructure given the “short arm” of predictive knowledge?

Cyber technology makes it difficult for victims and law enforcement to identify and apprehend perpetrators since they can hide behind online anonymity or pseudonyms. Knowing that their genuine identities can be hidden, offenders may feel more confident to commit cybercrimes including fraud, harassment, and stalking. Through the use of cyber technology, criminals and victims can communicate across great geographic distances. International law enforcement cooperation has obstacles when perpetrators target victims in various nations. Cross-border components in cybercrimes might make it challenging to apply conventional jurisdictional frameworks and effectively cooperate on investigations. Through phishing, social engineering, hacking, and other cyber tactics, offenders can take advantage of victims and cause financial losses, identity theft, or unlawful access to personal data. The breadth and size of exploitation are increased with cyber technology.

Cybercriminals may take use of weaknesses in social media, messaging apps, and online exchanges to deceive or compel their victims. Cyberbullying, frauds, and coercing people into dangerous actions are just a few of the ways that cyber-enabled manipulation can cause victimhood. Through interdisciplinary cooperation with legal professionals, technologists, psychologists, law enforcement, and other stakeholders, develop cyber policies. By using a multidisciplinary approach, policies are guaranteed to take into account technical, ethical, legal, and psychological factors, resulting in a holistic framework. To maintain a balance between security and individual rights, incorporate ethical considerations and robust privacy protection safeguards into cyber policy. Upholding ethical norms and privacy is essential to preserving public confidence and resolving any possible issues with data gathering or surveillance.

Another way is to create laws proactively that consider the effects of cutting-edge technology like the Internet of Things (IoT), quantum computing, and artificial intelligence. By anticipating the effects of emerging technology, regulators can address possible problems before they proliferate widely, resulting in more effective regulation. Giving priority to continuing education and training on evolving cyber dangers, preventive measures, and incident response for law enforcement, policymakers, and the general public is another great way. Because cyber dangers are constantly changing, it’s necessary to keep up with the latest strategies and tools that criminals are using. An all-encompassing strategy that incorporates cooperation, international cooperation, education, ethical concerns, and adaptable infrastructure is needed to handle the influence of cyber technology on the relationships between offenders and victims.