Reliable, safe and unhindered access to the internet is perceived to be an essential tool for individuals and firms. The internet has revolutionised social dynamics; it transformed the way firms do business and how people interact with one another.
Following the signing of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (Acta) there was a general perception that digital rights may be curtailed. This sparked off a vigorous and spontaneous debate which affirmed the critical importance of internet accessibility with as little restrictions as possible.
In view of such concerns, the government announced the presentation of a Bill that guarantees four basic principles on “internet civil rights”, including online freedom of expression, the right to internet access, the right to access information and the right to exchange information.
Such developments are very positive and should be welcome. In addition to these rights, one must also stress the importance of safe internet access. The free and unrestricted nature of the internet gives policymakers an added challenge to secure the digital highways from criminal activity.
Over the past few years, law and order officers have had to deal with cases of copyright theft, identity theft, credit card fraud, virus attacks and other internet-based scams.
According to statistics, one in three youths have experienced some form of cyber bullying while over 25 per cent of youths have experienced some form of bullying through their mobile phones and through the internet.
Some cases ended up with the victim committing suicide.
In the United States, the raid and subsequent closing down of the file-hosting website megaupload.com uncovered a number of paedophile rings and terrorist cells who used such file-sharing websites for criminal purposes.
There are several security implications that are directly related to the internet. Every person who has access to the internet may be a potential target of cybercrime. The removal of physical borders means that criminal activity is not subject to restrictions of time and place.
The digital underworld is strongly becoming a highly profitable and dangerous undertaking financed through the theft of credit card and bank details, the theft of passwords and cyberattacks on legitimate businesses.
In Malta, there is a concerted effort to increase the capabilities of the Malta Police Cybercrime Unit and to raise awareness on the dangers individuals may be faced with. Measures are being adopted to strengthen cybercrime legislation and establish mechanisms that can enable citizens to identify and inform the authorities of any possible cybercrime activities they come across.
The European Union has also been proactive in raising awareness about the safe and responsible use of the internet; particularly among young people.
An information campaign involving the Malta Communications Authority, Aġenzija Appoġġ and other stakeholders has been launched in an attempt to make young people more aware of the risks they might face on the internet.
Such information campaigns are vital when it comes to create an aware and active public who can spot and report such illegal activities. Software providers and IT companies may be key players in disseminating information and raising awareness on cybercrime.
The security implications for nation-states are even higher. A Nato security prediction for 2012 stated that “many of the future real-world crises will have a cyber element in them as well. Certainly, any future war between technically developed nations is likely to incorporate computer attacks”.
This Nato review has chided the international community for failing to “address the real nature and extent of the problem”. It acknowledged that national police forces and legal systems are struggling to keep up with the growth of cybercrime, particularly since such crimes usually take place across international borders.
Indeed, the accessibility and availability of the internet to criminals and potential terrorists has increased the need for further international cooperation in fighting such crimes. There have been many great leaps in this regard, however, there is still more that can be done to halt the growth of cybercrime.
As things stand, cyber criminals are buoyed by the scant knowledge private citizens have on cybercrime, the lack of infrastructure on an international level to combat this crime and the high rate of return such crimes can yield.
All internet users have a duty to be informed of the risks they may face and the crimes they may come across. Reporting such crimes is the first step towards halting their growth and creating a safer digital space.
As the Nato review aptly concluded, “our generation was the first generation that got online. We should hope that the net will remain for future generations to enjoy”.
The author is a public policy graduate from the University of Malta and is currently reading for a Masters of Arts in International Relations.