cyberstalking

Cyberstalking is a form of stalking that occurs online, utilizing digital communication methods to harass or follow someone against their wishes. This can include using social media, text messaging, instant messaging, and email to contact victims, often with the benefit of anonymity.1

The rise of cyberstalking is linked to the explosive growth of social media and the internet, which have created new avenues for this behavior. While traditional stalking laws were established in the early 1990s, cyberstalking emerged as a distinct issue with the advancement of technology. In the United States, a significant portion of stalking victims have also experienced cyberstalking. Many countries, including the U.S., Japan, and Australia, have introduced legislation to criminalize cyberstalking. A related practice, cyberbullying, specifically refers to cyberstalking and harassment committed by minors against other minors.123