Should Cyberbullying be Illegal?

Posted by Sir Four at 2:55pm May 2 '09
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Sec. 881. Cyberbullying

(a) Whoever transmits in interstate or foreign commerce any communication, with the intent to coerce, intimidate, harass, or cause substantial emotional distress to a person, using electronic means to support severe, repeated, and hostile behavior, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years, or both.

^This is being called the "Megan Meier Cyberbullying Prevention Act" after the girl who killed herself due to online harassment.

I am interested in your thoughts. Personally, I question whether it will hold up in light of the First Amendment protecting speech. I think it is over-broad, as well. I don't like the use of the word "cyberbullying."

I do believe there is a problem of cyberstalking, and would prefer that term. I've seen it, and I do think there should be legal avenues to pursue against those who cyberstalk. I'm curious what others think, as this is clearly a contentious issue.