Violence in Media through Cyberbullying and Legal Liability

Abstract

This article aims to point out legal loopholes and ambiguities in the enforcement of laws against persons bullying other persons on the internet. At present, any person or group can create content for online communication. There are no boundaries as what is acceptable and what is not acceptable. There is some evidence that cyberbullying is escalating. Victims of cyberbullying are known to suffer from depression, lower self-esteem, fear, and may even result in self-injuries. Some existing laws provide relief in the case of defaming someone’s reputation. Punishments are clearly set out for such offences, such as in the Computer Crime Act B.E. 2560, and in Section 420 and Section 423 of the Civil and Commercial Code with respect to defamation and insult in compliance with Section 326, Section 328, and Section 393 of the Criminal Code. However, the laws have failed to keep pace with cyberbullying and its impact on victims. Thus, it is recommended that appropriate agencies of governments should be required to review and revise existing laws to protect the rights of citizens, and to protect them from being victims of cyberbullying.