Technology and Crime

What new technology is used by police to combat crime? (Cole)

CCTV - UK "one of the most surveilled societies in the world" (Cole)

What is an effect of cyber bullying? (Hinduja et al, 2010)

Suicide - "strong relationship" between bullying and suicidal thoughts - Boys who were frequently bullied = 4% had suicidal thoughts

What is cyber bullying? (Mishna et al, 2010)

Using technology to harm another person - especially prolific with young people

Example of Phishing

Vivian Gabb, £50,000 lost to a fake email from her supposed solicitor (BBC)

Is it difficult for police to keep up to date with combatting cyber crime through laws? (Westby, 2003)

Yes - "cybercrime laws are constantly evolving with new technological capabilities and criminal innovation to address new forms of computer crime, ... [and] criminals"

What is technology? (Oxford English Dictionary of Sociology)

"A term used rather loosely in sociology, to mean either machines, [or] equipment..."

What is social media (Mayfield, 2011)? How popular is it (ONS, 2016)?

"Blogs, social networking sites and media-sharing technology, aided by the proliferation of mobile technology" 63% of adults in 2016 use social netoworking

What is Cyber-deception & theft? (Wall, 2001)

"Different types of acquisitive harm that can take place in cyberspace" - e.g. "Raiding of on-line bank accounts"

What as phishing emails? (Microsoft, 2017)

"Email messages, websites and phone calls are designed to steal money" "Cyber criminals can do this by installing malicious software on your computer or stealing personal information off of your computer"

What is cyber crime? (Jewkes)

"Illegal acts committed with the assistance of, or by means of, computers, the internet, and web based information ... technologies"

What is Cyber-pornography? (Wall, 2001)

"Publication or trading of sexually expressive materials within cyberspace"

What is a hacker? (Yar, 2013)

"Term hacker originated in the world of computer programming in the 1960s, where it was a positive label used to describe someone who was highly skilled" Can be an independent individual or the state

What is Cyber-Trespass? (Wall, 2001)

"Unauthorised crossing of the boundaries of computer systems into spaces where rights of ownership ... have already been established"

What is hacking? (Oxford English Dictionary, 2012)

"Use a computer to gain access to another unauthorised computer system" - can be done by any criminal (blue or white collar)

What is Cyber-violence? (Wall, 2001)

"Violent impact of the cyber activities of another upon an individual or social or political grouping"

How has technology effected the combatting of crime?

- Digital crime is very different from conventional crime - New challenge for law enforcement - They now use new tech - New policies been made

How has technology effected the offender?

- Increased opportunity to offend - Anonymity - No geographical limitations

In 2011 how much did cyber crime cost the government per year? (Treadwell, 2013)

£27 bn

What governmental action has there been to combat cyber crime? (GOV.UK)

£860 million given until 2016 to establish a National Cyber Security programme - ensuring safety against cyber attacks from criminals

What is an example of a modern offence through social media?

Cyber bullying

What are the 4 types of cybercrime? (Wall, 2001)

Cyber-Tresspass Cyber-Deception & Thefts Cyber-Pornography Cyber-Violence

Who's phone did the News of the World hack? (Davies, 2011)

Milly Dowler - missing girl (dead at time of hacking) - messages started to disappear = lead parents to believe she was alive - later came to light that her phone had be hacked for info

What is an example of technology used by the public?

Mobile phones, TV, iPods

Is CCTV morally correct? (Sheldon & Wright, 2010)

No - Data Protection Act 1998 = CCTV footage is considered 'personal data' - when the police use CCTV they are using your personal data - should this be allowed?