When Cyberbullying Becomes a Crime in California
When Cyberbullying Becomes a Crime in California With the prevalence of social media and texting, it’s no surprise that cyberbullying is a big problem in today’s society. However, what many people don’t realize is that cyberbullying can cross the line and become criminal conduct. Although California doesn’t have a specific law for cyberbullying, there are laws for stalking, harassment, and other forms of electronic communications used to harm another. This…
Read More7 Laws You Didn’t Realize You Broke
7 Laws You Didn’t Realize You Broke We all do things that are a calculated risk, like jaywalking when there’s no traffic, but we know this act of breaking the law probably won’t result in going to jail. Knowing the law helps us avoid getting caught doing something illegal, but there are some laws on the books that even those of us who like to think of ourselves as law-abiding…
Read More9 Social Media Mistakes That Landed People in Jail
9 Social Media Mistakes That Landed People in Jail In a moment of anger, or just in a moment of temporary stupidity, you may have posted a photo on Instagram or written a comment on Facebook that got you in trouble with your friends, family, bosses, or in some cases, the law. Here are some examples of people who have forgotten the golden rule about posting online: “The Internet's not…
Read MoreThe 10 Most Common Cybercrimes in California
The 10 Most Common Cybercrimes in California California is the technology capital of the world. Northern California’s Silicon Valley houses technology giants such as Google, Apple and Facebook. All roads lead to California for high-tech innovation and cyber development. But California also holds the distinction of being the cybercrime capital of the U.S., according to attorney Jeremy Matz.1 A 2014 study on the cost of cybercrime estimates that internet-based attacks…
Read MorePunishment for Stealing Personal Information through Public WiFi
Punishment for Stealing Personal Information through Public WiFi One way that hackers can steal personal data is through public WiFi networks. These networks—often found at cafes, fast food restaurants, and hotels—are used by a wide range of people. When you use a public network, all of your data is essentially sent through radio waves that can be intercepted.1 There are various ways to intercept data from public WiFi networks. Software…
Read MoreFederal Consequences of Lying on the Internet (18 U.S.C. Section 1030)
Federal Consequences of Lying on the Internet (18 U.S.C. Section 1030) While you may think that Internet trolling or jokes directed at someone online is all fun and games, there are serious consequences for those actions. The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (“CFAA”) pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1030, amended existing federal law in 1984 to prohibit the intentional, unauthorized access to any “protected computer” to obtain information. To be…
Read MoreIs it a Crime to Harass Someone on Facebook?
Is it a Crime to Harass Someone on Facebook? Using social media to “cyberbully” someone has become an all too common occurrence in our online-dependent world. People intent on speaking or doing evil may feel the online environment protects them from any legal consequences. But what many people may not realize is that harsh words made online can lead to serious criminal charges. Can you be charged with a crime…
Read MoreWhat is Computer Intrusion under Federal Law and How Can I be Charged?
What is Computer Intrusion under Federal Law and How Can I be Charged? Cyber crimes, which involve hacking into personal computers, cell phones, or other electronic devices, are on the rise in the United States. This type of crime is known as computer intrusion. Criminals target individuals and businesses to steal personal identifying information from these devices. Though these criminals are not breaking into homes or stealing wallets, they are…
Read MoreIs Lying on the Internet a Federal Crime? The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (18 U.S.C. § 1030)
Is Lying on the Internet a Federal Crime? The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (18 U.S.C. § 1030) We've all done it. Lied online, that is. Perhaps you exaggerated a physical trait on a dating website or created a phony profile on Facebook or on another social networking service. What most people don’t realize is that by doing so, you may have technically breached a contract, which the U.S. government…
Read MoreThe Serious Federal Consequences of Computer Hacking
The Serious Federal Consequences of Computer Hacking Computer hacking, the practice of using unauthorized access to a computer system to steal information or money, is a relatively new crime that has gained prominence in the age of the Internet. The hacking of government computer systems has been in the news in recent years as classified information has been leaked and hackers have faced stiff punishments. There are serious consequences of…
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