State Electronic Harassment or “Cyberstalking” Laws

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, law enforcement agencies estimate that electronic communications are a factor in from 20 percent to 40 percent of all stalking cases. Forty-seven states now have laws that explicitly include electronic forms of communication within stalking or harassment laws. State laws that do not include specific references to electronic communication may still apply to those who threaten or harass others online, but specific language may make the laws easier to enforce. Two reports from the U.S. Department of Justice provide detailed information on cyberstalking: Stalking and Domestic Violence: Report to Congress and Cyberstalking: A New Challenge for Law Enforcement and Industry. Other related NCSL resources: Enacted Cyberbullying Legislation.

Click the link above to access  the cyberstalking laws of the various states.  Some of the laws criminalize cyberstalking and allow reports to be made and investigated by state and local police.