Another serious type of cybercrime is cyber-harassment, also known as online harassment.

In these times defined by technology, this crime is one of the most common, as using the Internet has become part of our quotidian lives. In the case of cyber-harassment, a person harasses another individual, a group, or an organization via the Internet, social media, or other mediums of online communication. Cyber-harassment is a violation of the law with the intention of causing harm to a person and/or to their honor. The crime may include negative comments or false accusations published on the web. Additionally, the delinquent may threaten the victim and use extortion tactics. Most of the time, the offender harasses the victim using various methods of electronic communication, such as emails, instant messages, and calls. Sometimes, the offender may follow the individual’s physical locations via maps, or stalk their online profiles through social media. Examples of this crime include: revenge porn, sexting, grooming, child pornography, and cyberbullying.

Cyber-harassment is not the same as sexual harassment, but shares common traits. However, the former refers to when someone uses technological means to interact inappropriately with another person. Similarly, social media stalking is not always considered a crime; note that monitoring someone’s actions on social media is not deemed a crime. A few consequences of committing said offense include conditional liberty, a restraining order, or time in jail.

Furthermore, cyber-harassment can be related to crimes against one’s privacy. For example, one common case that ex couples use social media to get revenge during a break up, sharing private conversations and/or photos containing sexual content, such as in the case of revenge porn.

If you would like to know more about revenge porn, you can read the following articles:

• Crimes Against Privacy https://www.pineradelolmo.com/es/delitos-contra-la-intimidad/

• Cyber Crimes https://www.pineradelolmo.com/es/delitos-informaticos/

• Cybercrime https://www.pineradelolmo.com/es/3086-2/

A delinquent of this crime may also reveal personal information or secrets without the authorization of the other person, so as to cause harm. In the case of sexting, one person shares sexual messages via the Internet or social media, without the consent of all parties, violating privacy and confidentiality.

Another form of cyber-harassment is grooming, which is a situation of pedophilia in which an adult has relations with a minor, and often harasses the minor on the Internet with sexual purposes. To continue, when a person uploads sexual photos of someone who is underage, this is considered child pornography. To find more information on child pornography, read the following article from our web page: https://www.pineradelolmo.com/es/delito-de-pornografia-infantil/

Another case of cyber-harassment that frequently involves underage minors is cyberbullying. Cyberbullying occurs when a person verbally attacks another on the Internet. Often, a person posts comments about another that are false. Another possibility is that a person shares private information without consent in order to cause harm to someone’s reputation. This is common among adolescents and teenagers, and it can defame the image of a person, causing negative effects.

It is important to note that legislation regarding cyber-harassment varies in each country, so if you need more information about this crime in Spain, consult with one of our expert attorneys. Our law firm with experienced lawyers can provide legal advice for your cyber-harassment case.

Article written by Maya Floreani

If you need more information or legal counsel, do not hesitate to contact our attorneys. You can contact us using our contact form on the web, by sending us an email at info@pineradelolmo.com, by Whatsapp (if you are in Spain: 675 58 14 62; If you are abroad: (+34) 675 58 14 62), or by calling us at 93 514 39 97, using the area code (+34) 93 514 39 97 if you are abroad.

Disclaimer: This article is not concrete advice, nor is it updated with changes in regulations. To obtain updated, specific legal advice that is relevant to your case, contact our lawyers in Barcelona and Madrid.