Former MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando is behind a newly formed anti-cyber harassment group calling for tough legislation against cyber harassment and cyber stalking.

The Anti-Cyber harassment Alliance (Malta) said it will be encouraging MPs to address this issue by the enactment of a law making cyber stalking and cyber harassment a criminal offence.

“A conviction should result in a restraining order, probation, or even criminal penalties against the assailant, including jail,” a statement said.

With electronic communication becoming the primary form of communication, most jurisdictions have had to address the issue of cyberstalking, harassment, and bullying, the group said.

Many countries have had laws defining and punishing stalking, harassment and bullying for some time.

“Cyber harassment is simply harassment carried out through electronic means. Common examples of this type of harassment include repeated, unwanted or threatening e-mails, instant messages, or social network contacts.

“Cyber harassment may also take the form of blogs or entire websites designed to upset, bother or verbally attack the victim or victims.”

It is simply harassment carried out through electronic means

The contact person for the group is Dr Pullicino Orlando, chairman of the Malta Council for Science and Technology, and a frequent subject on Daphne Caruana Galizia’s blog.