So, what is Cyber Law?
According to top cyber law expert Pavan Duggal, cyber law refers to all the legal and regulatory aspects of Internet and the World Wide Web. Anything concerned with or related to or emanating from any legal aspects or issues concerning any activity of netizens and others, in Cyberspace comes within the ambit of Cyber law.
In the world of internet, everything is just a click a way. Whether you're using it for mere entertainment like watching a funny cat video on YouTube, researching for your university paper, finding out what's happening in other countries, the internet or the cyber world plays a big role in our life. With the proliferation of technology and the internet, in some ways, it also has to be regulated and this is where cyber law comes in place.
Throughout the years, a lot of laws have been passed; some for the protection of the people while others serve as a protection and safeguard for the government. In the Philippines, Republic Act No. 10175 or Cybercrime Law was passed in 2012 - the clause of the law ranges from cybercrime offenses like illegal access, illegal interception, computer identity theft, cybersex and whole lot more pertaining to various cyber offenses. In the United States, similar laws have also been legislated - from Digital Millennium Copyright Act, computer fraud, to Electronic Communications Privacy Act which is an amendment to the federal wiretap law.
These laws were passed to protect the people against crimes, specifically cyber crimes. However, there also laws that are quite questionable. Laws that are almost or really invades people's privacy. Who could forget Edward Snowden, a former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) employee and also a whistleblower. During his work with the government he noticed the extensive reach of National Security Agency's everyday surveillance. He then copied some files which contained information about NSA's surveillance. After gathering enough information, he exposed NSA's practice of collecting data and basically violating people's privacy to the world.
And, it's not only the government you should be cautious of, there are far more people who wants to take advantage of you through the internet. From hackers, a displeased customer, someone you had an argument with, the list goes on. And one of the reason why these things goes unnoticed is that because it's easier on the internet - "hiding" in front of their computer screen. But, we have cyber laws right? Yes. You're right. However, "Globally, laws restricting digital crime vary. As much as 70% of cyber crime crosses national borders, which can make solving cyber crimes a problem that has to be tackled through international cooperation — and with the UN reporting that a third to half of all nations have insufficient legal framework to criminalize extraterritorial cyber crimes, it can be difficult for law enforcement to bring these criminals to justice."
I guess the question is, how can you protect yourself? Is the cyber law on our side or their side? Whether it's the government, hackers or a person you're dealing with, it is always nice to be extra cautious. Remember, it doesn't hurt to know how to protect yourself, find a good lawyer, educate yourself about internet security, in these times you'll never know when you need them.