Shropshire Star

Star comment: Net closes in on digital criminals

Few might have imagined that the internet would be used in the way that it has.

Published

It was initially devised as a tool for rapid communication and those who helped to set it up would have imagined that the worldwide web would only have been put to good use.

Sadly, nefarious individuals have found ways to corrupt and deviate from that hopeful, well-intentioned template.

There are those who use the internet to create terror, those who use it to slander and defame, there are those who use the dark web to trade in illegal goods like arms and drugs and then there are those who bully and abuse minorities and those who use it to seek revenge.

Men who post private photographs and videos of former partners in revenge porn incidents now feel the full force of the law. It is no less than they deserve.

It is alarming that so many cases have occurred in our back yard. A hot-headed moment of anger has led too many men to embarrass and cause distress to people who do not deserve such treatment. However unpleasant a relationship break-up might have been, nobody deserves to be shamed in such a way.

The problem of digital crime is one that the police are taking seriously. Increased resources are being devoted to tackle those who are part of the growing trend of committing crimes on or through social media.

The public must realise that they cannot hide behind their computer screens, being keyboard warriors, taking pot shots without consequences. The law can track them down and take action. And, happily, it now is.

There is a simple test that people who use the internet maliciously might apply: would they do that in a crowded room, or in front of their victim. Would they call somebody an unpleasant, offensive name; would they invent a lie; would they share with others images that were created during a moment of intimacy?

If the answer is no, they should not broadcast such information on the internet. A photograph shown to a small number of people can easily be shared by millions, leaving an indelible mark and causing astonishing levels of trauma and hurt.

The internet has brought much good to people around the world. It has, however, also caused harm - and the police are charged with keeping everyone safe.

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