Analysis of the Computer Misuse Act 1990 Free Essay Example, 2500 words

The use of computer networks with the Internet have made criminal s jobs easier and policing harder as they provide predators with a new place to target someone for criminal acts and increase the likelihood of avoiding liability, which in turn has fuelled debate as to the efficacy of the Computer Misuse Act 19904. Moreover, the problem and perceived risk to youth online users in particular and the use by youth offenders to perpetuate criminal activities on the other side of the spectrum have become widespread. For example, major Internet Service Providers ( ISPs ) claim that reports of cyber stalking have become at least 15 a month and on the rise5. Additionally, the Council of Europe along with USA, Canada, and Japan brought into force the ( the Convention ) to address computer misuse in light of inefficiencies with the current system6. Additionally, the work of Hinduja and Patchin highlights how the online social network model has facilitated youth perpetuated crime with a rising t rend in cyberbullying within the computer misuse paradigm7. Therefore, in considering the effectiveness of the Computer Misuse Act 1990, this paper particularly focuses on three different aspects of potential computer misuse; namely identity theft and online harassment (otherwise referred to as cyberstalking or cyberbullying ).We will write a custom essay sample on Analysis of the Computer Misuse Act 1990 or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/page The most common example is when an identity thief uses sensitive personal information to open a credit card account in a customer s name through phising9. Phishing is a high tech scam and uses spam to deceive customers into disclosing credit card numbers, bank account information, passwords, and other sensitive information.