POLICY ON CONDUCT IN CYBER SPACE
The adolescent tends to view cyber space as an infinitely fictitious domain that guarantees whimsical freedom. Over the years, unchecked activities in this domain, invited a great deal of regulatory/legal measures so that civilized life in this planet is not compromised. The following paragraphs list a few of these measures that cyber space users must be aware of so that they do not harbor the notion of 'whimsical' freedom.
- Record: Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are bound to retain copies of
transactions that take place in the cyber space through their networks/servers. For
example, the ISP may have a copy of an email that you may be sending through
their network.
- Government agencies through supporting legal mechanisms can access records
pertaining to activity in areas of their choice.
- In case of a potential complaint from an aggrieved party alleging inappropriate
use of cyber space, an investigating agency can collect all pertinent records.
Unlike a court proceeding related to an offence on land/sea/air, proceedings
related to cyber crimes may rely more on electronic records. Owing to this, an
accused may be awarded a sentence solely on the basis of these electronic records.
In contrast, in typical civil/criminal cases, material evidence, witnesses, forensic
support etc. are essential for awarding a sentence.
- From para 4, it is clear that most of the time, convictions are almost guaranteed if
someone indulges in a crime in the cyber space.
Things that one shouldn't do in the cyber space:
- Hacking, illegal access to protected areas, unauthorized use of information etc.
- Flaming: There are a host of news groups, bulletin boards, e-journals, e-news etc.
in the cyber space. Use of indecent language, expression of threat, publication of
unsubstantiated allegations, defamatory statements etc. must be strictly avoided in
all these forums. In short, people shouldn't lose their civility in the cyber space.
- Unsolicited emails/communication: Users must refrain from this as well as related
activities.
- Any other activity that may be termed indecent/inappropriate. This might include
expressions of criticism directed against religions, groups/sects, institutions,
businesses, political parties etc.
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