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Cybercrime

The advent of computers and the proliferation of the Internet made possible the achievement of great advances in science, medicine, technology, and communication. Unfortunately, computers and the Internet have also provided a new environment for crime. As Janet Reno, U.S. attorney general during the Clinton administration, put it, “While the Internet and other information technologies are bringing enormous benefits to society, they also provide new opportunities for criminal behavior” (USDOJ 2000).

Cybercrime is loosely defined as committing a crime through the use of a computer or the Internet. The Internet has been defined as “collectively the myriad of computer and telecommunications facilities, including equipment and operating software, which comprise the interconnected worldwide network of networks that employ the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, or any predecessor or successor protocols to such protocol, to communicate information of all kinds by wire or radio” (Internet Tax Freedom Act of 1998: 112 Stat. 2681–719). In other words, the Internet is a large computer network, or a chain of computers that are connected together. This connectivity allows individuals to connect to countless other computers to gather and transmit information, messages, and data. Unfortunately, this connectivity also allows criminals to communicate with other criminals and with their victims. Although no universally accepted definition of cybercrime exists, a distinction is often made between a traditional crime that is perpetrated through the use of a computer or the Internet and a crime that involves specifically targeting computer technology (Casey 2000).

Facilitating Traditional Crime

Computers and the Internet are often used to commit some types of crime that existed prior to computerization. Computers and the Internet create an expansive communication network that allows criminals to perpetrate crimes such as fraud, child pornography, gambling, stalking, harassment, espionage, sabotage, privacy violations, theft, and the illegal sale of prescription drugs, controlled substances, alcohol, and guns.

The anonymity offered by the Internet provides a perfect environment for the perpetration of fraud. Money laundering, credit card fraud, and securities fraud activities conducted via the Internet continue to rise as unsuspecting individuals look to the Internet to get information and to make transactions. Numerous trustworthy organizations offer financial services and propose moneymaking opportunities. Unfortunately, there are also many fraudulent offers that are difficult to discern from those that are valid. Anonymity also creates a haven for criminals to impersonate others in an effort to deceive unsuspecting users. Computer dating services and chat rooms designed for children have provided openings for rapists and child abusers who can easily portray upright individuals in an effort to gain trust and access to their victims.

Pornography has proliferated on the Internet. Adult-only sites simply warn the user that they must be at least eighteen years of age to view their contents, but they do not prevent access to images to those who are underage. In addition to numerous pornographic sites, child pornographers have used the Internet to trade or transmit pornographic materials and to develop online clubs for those who are interested in child pornography.

Gambling is an industry that has expanded exponentially as a result of worldwide communication via the Internet. Virtual or online casinos have erupted, offering all types of wagering and gaming, ranging from traditional casino games and sports betting to card clubs that allow customers to wager against one another rather than against the house (Richards 1999). Most gambling sites have been established offshore, where regulations are minimal.

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