Are there any laws related to cyberstalking?

Yes, there are laws related to cyberstalking in the state of Virginia. According to the Virginia Code, cyberstalking is defined as someone “with the intent to coerce, intimidate, or harass any person… [who] makes an explicit or implicit threat with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear of death or bodily injury; or causes any person to reasonably fear death or bodily injury to himself or any other person.” Additionally, the Virginia Code states that it is illegal to “use electronic mail or electronic communication for the purpose of harassing another” and that such harassment is deemed a Class 1 misdemeanor. Penalties for cyberstalking can range from jail time to heavy fines, depending on the severity of the offense. Additionally, victims of cyberstalking may be able to file a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator, which could result in the perpetrator being ordered to pay restitution, or financial compensation, to the victim. In order to protect themselves from cyberstalking, Virginia residents are encouraged to practice good online safety habits. They should be aware of their online footprint and be sure to keep personal information such as addresses, phone numbers, and financial information private. Additionally, they should be sure to report any instances of cyberstalking to the local police.

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