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6 B.U. Pub. Int. L.J. 673 (1996-1997)
Threats, Harassment, and Hate On-line: Recent Developments

handle is hein.journals/bupi6 and id is 683 raw text is: THREATS, HARASSMENT, AND HATE ON-LINE: RECENT DEVELOPMENTS SALLY GREENBERG* I. INTRODUCTION The Internet, probably the most powerful communication tool in the world, has gone mainstream and is growing at a rapid pace. As a medium, it has cre- ated many new and exciting possibilities for both business and individual; in- deed, it already has revolutionized the way in which we communicate. The In- ternet allows people to connect with others around the world to exchange ideas and information for very little cost. For many, the advantage of having access to the tremendous volume of information that the Internet offers easily outweighs the cost of going on-line. The Internet allows people to connect with others around the world to exchange ideas and information for very little cost. Reputable businesses and individuals, however, are not the only groups taking advantage of the Internet. The Net's characteristics make it the ideal tool for harassment, threats, and the dissemination of hateful messages. The Net attracts these individuals because of its ability to distribute massive amounts of informa- tion quickly and anonymously. As traditional misdemeanor offenses occur on- line they can have a serious impact, raising new First Amendment issues. This article explores some specific uses of the Net, some criminal and some not, that have emerged in recent years. 11. HARASSMENT Cyberspace offers previously unavailable harassment possibilities. The poten- tial for instantaneous, inexpensive, worldwide communication can magnify what would otherwise be simply irresponsible behavior. Prior to the advent of this technology, acts of harassment could reach only a limited number of people. Word of mouth, mail, and even publication in a newspaper pale in comparison to the potential numbers of people one can reach through cyberspace. William White, an eighteen-year-old student at the University of Maryland, summed up the philosophy of many Internet users when he stated, You should be able to write what you want on the Internet, whether it's true or not.' White had heard that a fellow student was being mistreated at home. Although he re- * Sally Greenberg served as the Eastern States Civil Rights Counsel for the Anti- Defamation League from 1985 to 1996. She also served on the Massachusetts Governor's Task Force on Computer Technology and Law from 1992 to 1994. Alison Fee, a student at Boston University School of Law, assisted in the researching of this article. I Todd Shields & Scott Bowles, Over the Line On-Line: Family Put Under Seige; Stu- dent Message Elicits Angry Calls to Md. Home, WASH. POsT, Feb. 14, 1996, at A01. 673

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