Cyberstalking
Cyberstalking is the use of the Internet, email or other electronic communications to stalk, and generally refers to a pattern of threatening or malicious behaviors. Cyberstalking may be considered the most dangerous of the three types of Internet harassment (cyberbullying generally considered the third) based on a posing credible threat of harm. Sanctions range from misdemeanors to felonies.
Cyberharassment
Cyberharassment differs from cyberstalking in that it may generally be defined as not involving a credible threat. Cyberharassment usually pertains to threatening or harassing email messages, instant messages, or to blog entries or websites dedicated solely to tormenting an individual. Some states approach cyberharassment by including language addressing electronic communications in general harassment statutes, while others have created stand-alone cyberharassment statutes.
Source: National Conference of State Legislators: STATE CYBERSTALKING AND CYBERHARASSMENT LAWS
Note: The terms cyberstalking, cyberharassment, and cyberbullying have overlapping definitions (as you can see by earlier entries). The above should be used as a general guideline only. Laws vary and the media in particular use the terms interchangeably depending on their angle or intended audience. Even some legislators, prosecutors, and judges have made this mistake(?) Perhaps all three should be reduced to a single title, it would serve to consolidate the efforts of many.
Applicable Texas Laws:
Tx Penal Code § 42.07 - HARASSMENT
Applicable Federal Laws:
18 U.S.C. 2261A - STALKING
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