Harassment of children and related electronic crimes

[forum_admin]

NJ cracking down on online crimes against minors

Legislation targeting online harassment of children and related electronic crimes may soon become law in New Jersey.

The measures — approved earlier this year by the Assembly and the Senate — include one that would allow authorities in some cases to intercept wire or electronic communications of suspected computer trespassers. Another would impose fines for some crimes and offenders that would go toward a computer crime prevention fund.

The legislation — part of the Internet safety initiatives proposed by state Attorney General Anne Milgram — has been sent to Gov. Jon Corzine, who is expected to sign the measures into law. A signing date has not been scheduled.

The Assembly passed the measures by a 78-0 vote in March, while the Senate approved them 38-0 in June.

"Online stalkers who target children cannot be treated lightly," said Assemblyman Fred Scalera, D-Nutley, a co-sponsor of the bill. "We need to be able to go after these individuals swiftly and bring the full force of the law to bear."