Recent cases and reports have shown that cyber bully and cyber stalking are having increasingly serious consequences on individuals and society in general.

Last year, it was noted that such cases increased dramatically with Aġenzija Appoġġ reporting over 900 calls for help. To lift some of the burden on such acts, a number of amendments in the criminal code with regards to cyber bullying and cyber stalking have been made. Consequences for such crimes will be much harder on those who commit them, with amendments proposing up to 5 years of jail time and fines of up to €30,000. Justice Minister Edward Zammit Lewis stated that such amendments will protect those who are vulnerable in an attempt to prevent harsher consequences such as self harm and suicide.

The Minister went on to highlight that while it is important for means of communication to be used for good, misuse of such platforms will result in harsh criminal sanctions. The legal amendments are currently in their Parliamentary committee phase.

Minister for Social Justice Michael Falzon reiterated such sentiments, shining a light on the importance of controlled and regulated means, the lack of which result in an increase in reports of abuse as what happened with Aġenzija Appoġġ.

#MaltaDaily