What is the federal law about stopping a person from harassing another on the internet?

littletonrdt: What is the federal law about stopping a person from harassing another on the internet?
When I person harasses another on the internet, isn’t there a federal law saying a restraining order may be obtained to stop the harassing? What is tha law’s code number? Who does a person file a complaint with to get it stopped when the two persons live in different states?

Answers and Views:

Answer by Jacob S
The law is called “stop being a fucking baby”

theres no way they can make a law like that, the internet is too vast for such laws.

its the internet, if someone is bothering you, ignore them and dont be such a wuss

Answer by Precious P
I dont think there is one. Even if you put a restraining order on that person, he/she will use a different screenname or email and keep on harassing you. Just block/ignore the email, but if he/she keeps on. Then you need to take the action to contact someone at the law enforcement court or sity hall. I hope you find the right answer you are looking for.

Answer by symanlegrix
You can’t really do anything about cowardly pricks. Like Jacob, for instance.

Answer by McOff.80
Usually it is not a federal crime to harass someone on the internet. I believe the federal gov. will not prosecute unless the dollar amount of harm is $ 50,000 or above. Usually with business (not statute, mostly common law)
However it is against most state laws (if not all) to “telecommunication” harass. (Covers computers)
I would recommend first that you get all the identifiable information about the person first. (Name, address, DOB, SSN, ECT) Then send an e-mail telling the person the communication is unwanted and needs to stop now. If the person then continues to send unwanted e-mails or other communication several times after telling them to stop. (Does not cover spam or other solicitation, civil in nature) (building a pattern) then you could go to your local police department to file a complaint (report). Jurisdiction would either be where the telecommunication is originated from or received. Generally it is where it is received because that is where the complainant is.
Make sure if you do go the police you give them as much info as possible. Keep all records of conversations and provide the police a copy. Save everything. (Extremely important)
If the communication is violent in nature immediately go to your local dept.
Restraining orders do not apply to telecommunication harassment. The only time it would, if the person is stalking you by threatening physical harm to you or your family, or by making threats of serious harm such killing. In any event to harassment would have to be extreme and a pattern of conduct established that the person represents a substantial risk of harm to you.
I would try to fix this yourself first and tell person in a firm way to stop or you will take action.
Good luck

Answer by hannah
I can’t imagine such a law! How would it be enforced? You might contact the Site itself with your complaint, indicate that you feel this person is inappropriate, etc. That’s the only recourse I can think of.

Answer by Big Jimi
I think it;s called the “Chaw My Bag”,law!

Answer by msjuliet2005
That can be a hard one. You should really speak to your local PD about that. I had a friend whom was severly stalked by someone on the internet, I mean he was portraying my friend on the internet actling like he (being her) wanted to get raped. It took about 18 mos to finally get him sentenced to 6 years. This was back in 1998. Things may have gotten better by now.