Cyberbullying: Safeguarding Your Online Existence

In an age where the digital realm intertwines with our daily lives, the spectre of cyberbullying looms ever larger, leaving countless victims in a state of despair. Many remain oblivious to the avenues available for reporting their tormentors, often feeling powerless in the face of relentless online aggression. In this poignant exploration, legal expert Me Neelam Ramsaran-Jogeea sheds light on this pressing issue.

What Constitutes Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying, as elucidated by Me Ramsaran-Jogeea, is a deliberate and aggressive act perpetrated by an individual or a collective through electronic communication, repeatedly targeting a victim.

“It manifests through various technological mediums such as mobile phones, emails, messaging platforms, online gaming, or social media, with the intent to inflict harm,” she clarified.

The forms it may take are distressingly diverse, encompassing insults, mockery, intimidation, online threats, account hacking, digital identity theft, and the posting of compromising images or videos of the victim.

What Does Our Legislation Say About Cyberbullying?

The Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Act 2021 defines cyberbullying as any behaviour conducted through electronic communication that is repetitive, persistent, and intentionally harmful towards a victim.

It is characterised by a power imbalance between the perpetrator and the victim, often resulting in feelings of distress, fear, isolation, or diminished self-worth.

The repercussions can extend beyond emotional turmoil, leading to physical or psychological harm for the victim.

The Consequences of Cyberbullying

According to the lawyer, the rapid and widespread dissemination of content online can reach an extensive audience, making it exceedingly difficult to regain control once the damage is done.

“The material shared can linger online, even after the harassment has ceased,” she warned.

The ramifications of cyberbullying are severe, impacting not only the mental well-being of victims but also affecting the perpetrators and bystanders alike.

Me Ramsaran-Jogeea emphasised that every action taken online leaves a digital footprint.

“An aggressor can face criminal prosecution with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Furthermore, victims have the right to pursue civil action to seek damages for the harm they have endured,” she stated.

How Can One Protect Themselves?

“Regrettably, it is impossible to achieve complete protection against cyberbullying,” the lawyer acknowledged.

Nevertheless, Me Ramsaran-Jogeea advocated for individuals to bolster their online security.

For instance, she advised against sharing personal information online and refraining from posting compromising photos or videos on social media to avert potential pitfalls.

Additionally, she recommended enhancing online security by installing antivirus software on devices to guard against malicious software.

It is also crucial to create robust passwords and to never disclose them to anyone.

In this digital age, where the lines between our private and public lives blur, the fight against cyberbullying is more critical than ever.

Awareness, vigilance, and proactive measures are essential in safeguarding one’s online existence.

Do We Have the Tools to Combat Such Crimes?

In Mauritius, the answer is a resounding yes, particularly through the efforts of the National Computer Board.

The Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) is at the forefront of managing incidents of cybercrime via a system known as the “Mauritian Cybercrime Online Incident Reporting System.”

Internet users facing online issues—whether on social media or other platforms—can report their cases through this system.

All it takes is the completion of a form detailing the complaint, which can be done online without the need for physical attendance.

Once a complaint is lodged, the CERT will determine whether it can resolve the issue or if the case needs to be referred to the Cybercrime Unit of the police.

It is important to note that CERT can address technical problems, such as disabling fake profiles on social media.

However, as the lawyer points out, issues with legal implications are referred to the Cybercrime Unit for further investigation.

Where Do the Shortcomings Lie?

As Me Neelam Ramsaran-Jogeea explained, the Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Act 2021 has replaced the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act 2003.

She added that the new legislation is more stringent and comprehensive. It introduces new offences and imposes harsher penalties.

The Act also mandates that the National Cybersecurity Committee convenes at least once every two months to assess challenges and devise solutions.

The lawyer argued that, given the rising tide of cybercrime issues, this committee should meet more frequently.

What Do You Propose to Enhance Our System in the Fight Against Cyberbullying?

“In my view, our computer systems are akin to sieves when it comes to cyberattacks.

New offences will be of little use if the officers of the Computer Emergency Response Team and the Cybercrime Unit do not continuously work to improve their investigative techniques,” she asserted.

The Penalties

Under Section 17 of the Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Act 2021, any individual who engages in cyberbullying, either alone or in concert with others, faces a fine of up to one million rupees and a prison sentence of up to 20 years upon conviction.

The Recourse Available to Victims

First and foremost, a victim of cyberbullying must preserve evidence, such as screenshots.

Following this, they should file a complaint with the National Computer Board or directly with the police.

The perpetrator of the cyberbullying can be prosecuted under the Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Act 2021, noted Me Neelam Ramsaran-Jogeea.

Additionally, victims have the option to consult a legal professional and file a civil suit in court to seek damages for the harm they have suffered.

In this digital age, where the shadows of cyberbullying threaten the sanctity of our online lives, it is imperative that we arm ourselves with knowledge, resources, and unwavering resolve to combat this insidious menace.

Source Defi Media