Introduction to E-Commerce Law

Module 7 - Cybercrime Security

NARRATIVE

ASSIGNMENTS

SUPPLEMENTAL DOCUMENTS

IBLS ARTICLES

NARRATIVE

Fraud and intellectual property crimes cost e-businesses substantial amounts in lost profits. The common activities of young hackers creating and launching viruses over e-mail connections seem pale when compared to the committed cyber terrorist, or the damage caused when identity theft after a “phishing” scam results in the loss of your home. How can we drag these miscreants into the courts to pay for their misdeeds?

From a more general perspective, Western countries’ IT infrastructures are vulnerable and offer many opportunities for criminal conducts, which take a large variety of forms and frequently cross borders. Certain offences constitute a threat to industry investment and assets, and to safety and confidence in the information society. Organized cyber criminals have been taking advantage of fast moving technological advances and of globalization.

Governments worldwide realize that it is crucial to undertake serious efforts to improve cross-border co-operation in the fight against crime and to create a consistent legal framework. Effective co-operation between governments, industry and data protection authorities is an essential element to fight cybercrime. Several international initiatives have already been launched, such as the Council of Europe’s Convention on Cybercrime.

Questions about what is the correct method of gathering and preserving evidence of criminal activity take the lead only after the alleged criminal is identified.

In this module we deal with the concepts of the nature of computer crime and the attempts of producers to prevent hacking of their products. The gathering and preservation of electronic evidence will be covered.

Why do they do that? A library patron is attempting to get information on trade embargos and a popup advertisement offering adult content appears on the screen. Is it free speech or is it pornography? Obscenity and Speech questions come to the front of peoples mind when talking of electron crime. But, computer crime is much more than the unpleasantness of pornographic site advertising. Hate speech, fighting words, and other forms of malicious content are available, and sometimes are pushed upon Internet users.

Students will review the liability of Web Site Owners and ISPs when criminals post to their service. The subject of “adult content” will be covered with special emphasis on the Child Online Protection Act and other legislative actions.

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ASSIGNMENTS

Hypothetical

Reading assignment

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SUPPLEMENTAL DOCUMENTS

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IBLS ARTICLES

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