Congress gets serious about Internet abuse

A little-noticed bill would make Internet communications a felony if "the intent is to coerce, intimidate, harass or cause substantial emotional distress to a person." The measure would take aim at some of the free-wheeling exchanges conducted through mediums such as text messages, blogs and website comments.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-Calif.), is intended to focus on harassment over the Internet, according to NetworkWorld. Sanchez has referred to a case in Missouri where a 13-year-old killed herself, apparently in despair, over a bullying campaign organized against her on MySpace.

What can an IT executive do about issues like this? Plenty. There should be strict rules at your workplace about what is not allowed on company computers. And you should not hesitate to act, when someone has used his or her work computer to conduct abusive behavior.

For more on this story:
- check out this NetworkWorld.com article

Related Articles:
Where to turn to clean up your reputation online
FTC plans online marketing rules
Survey: Developers head to social networks