Cyberstalking

Cyberstalking is an action intentionally directed at a person on one or more occasions. A cyberstalking action can be:

• by contacting a person by use of any technology
• threatening an act of violence against a person or their property, or
• intimidating/harassing them.

Stalking also is an action that would cause the stalked person apprehension, fear or a detriment. A detriment is defined as causing an apprehension or fear of violence, serious mental/ psychological/ emotional harm or preventing/ hindering a person from doing an act they are lawfully entitled to do.

The internet has given stalkers an opportunity to commit very aggressive actions against people they know and have a motivation to attack. Alternatively, they may attack people they do not know. Their motivations could range from their personal entertainment to disagreeing with the victim’s opinions expressed online.

Stalking may be a single instance over a protracted period or a series of events. Some instances of cyberstalking progress into the physical world.

How does this work?

The cyberstalker identifies as much information about their victim as possible. They may then begin stalking that person online, joining their social networks under a series of fake names and abusing them online. This may include disclosing personal data about them on social media or the internet, or making fake profiles in the victim’s name.

The aim of the cyberstalker is to cause as much discomfort as possible to the victim and, in some instances, make them fear for their safety. The cyberstalker may be a person from a previous relationship seeking revenge for the relationship breaking up.

How do I protect myself?

Keep personal information on the internet to a minimum and be careful whom you let into your personal online groups. Understand the privacy tools provided by the social media groups and report immediately to the site and police any abusive behaviour or fake profiles created in your name.

More advice from eSafety

Reporting cyberstalking

You can report online harm through eSafety or the Australian Cyber Security Centre.

Due to the way most social media organisations operate, once data is deleted by users it is lost forever. To assist with investigations:

• Obtain details of those making the posts such as ID numbers, screen names etc
• Without communicating with the stalker, obtain screenshots of all posts
• Copy links and images posted or sent
• Retain originals of emails received by the stalker.