UK government announce specialist cybercrime courts

[HEXUS]

Cybercrime, fraud, and economic crime are the focus of a flagship 18 courtroom legal centre.

Read more.

[aidanjt]

Mean tweets are serious business.

[3dcandy]

Mean tweets are serious business.

Ho yes. Scary stuff!

[philehidiot]

Well they'll have a fine business. There were over 3000 people interviewed over "mean tweets" in 2017.

I'm sure there's a button that says "block" somewhere. Less effort than "999" and screaming "someone hurt my feelings!"

[satrow]

Hope the cases brought to trial are rare, otherwise the tiny minority of Brits who could keep up with the technicalities of such cases would need to retire from their professions to become full-time jurors. Joe Public wouldn't have a clue.

[Corky34]

Well they'll have a fine business. There were over 3000 people interviewed over "mean tweets" in 2017.

I guess it says something when i can't tell if "over 3000 people interviewed over "mean tweets"" is for real or sarcasm, I'm inclined to say that it's not sarcasm but if that's right then what the flip people! I mean seriously?

[peterb]

Hope the cases brought to trial are rare, otherwise the tiny minority of Brits who could keep up with the technicalities of such cases would need to retire from their professions to become full-time jurors. Joe Public wouldn't have a clue.

Unlikely - given the rise in 'cyber' crime, such as phishing, online fraud etc. The fact that these specialist Courts are being established is a sign that there is a need, and the specialist nature indicates the complexities of assessing the evidence.

[Savas]

Well they'll have a fine business. There were over 3000 people interviewed over "mean tweets" in 2017.

I'm sure there's a button that says "block" somewhere. Less effort than "999" and screaming "someone hurt my feelings!"

Actually have a source for more context to this 3000 figure on mean tweets?

Saying to block someone is like saying to ignore and brush it off or walk away in real life when someone abuses you verbally.. Not quite practical advice there.

[aidanjt]

Saying to block someone is like saying to ignore and brush it off or walk away in real life when someone abuses you verbally.. Not quite practical advice there.

It's internet text, not IRL, unlike IRL, you actually can block someone at the press of a button. If you feel the same emotional impact of someone screaming in your face from blockable internet text, seek professional help.

[peterb]

It's internet text, not IRL, unlike IRL, you actually can block someone at the press of a button. If you feel the same emotional impact of someone screaming in your face from blockable internet text, seek professional help.

Rather naive - thats like saying "A newspaper publishes something about you, don't buy that days newspaper".

If someone posts something defamatory or damaging about you, you may chose to block it - but it's still out there.

[philehidiot]

Actually have a source for more context to this 3000 figure on mean tweets?

Saying to block someone is like saying to ignore and brush it off or walk away in real life when someone abuses you verbally.. Not quite practical advice there.

I got it wrong, it's 3,300 people and in 2016. The "mean tweets" part was sarcastic but the figure is for people detained and questioned for "trolling" and is from the Times and RT.

Links: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/p...olls-b8nkpgp2d
https://www.rt.com/uk/406467-hate-crime-twitter-troll/

[aidanjt]

Rather naive - thats like saying "A newspaper publishes something about you, don't buy that days newspaper".

If someone posts something defamatory or damaging about you, you may chose to block it - but it's still out there.

Apples and oranges, Peter. Different forums with different contexts, also, unlike mean tweets, defamation causes demonstrable harm, defamation is also not a criminal offence.

[philehidiot]

I do think specialised cyber crime courts are a good idea purely based on the technical nature. We have military courts partly because civilians can't be expected to understand many military specific situations. The same applies really to the financial side of things where there's so much legislation and technical stuff it's going to be beyond the average judge and jury. You need a judge with experience in the area. The whole mean tweets thing aside, I think this is a good idea.

[peterb]

Apples and oranges, Peter. Different forums with different contexts, also, unlike mean tweets, defamation causes demonstrable harm, defamation is also not a criminal offence.

Apples and oranges, but still fruit!

Both publish information, but newspaper require due diligence to ensure the facts are correct and generally in the public interest.

Social media gives a voice to those who have no need or desire to check their facts and can publish any old rubbish, which goes out regardless of whether you choose to block it.

There have been successful civil actions by those with deep pockets to challenge some statements.

But you are right, these are civil matters, and this thread jumped on that aspect of cyber misuse.

The specialist courts will be looking at the criminal use of the internet (and related technology)