Digital crime essay

For revision

How has technology transformed the nature of crime?

Traditional crimes limited by physical boundaries have evolved into complex digital crimes, including new crimes such as cybercrimes and AI enabled offenses

What were the main characteristics of crime in the pre web era (1980s-1991)?

Early computer crimes such as hacking, data theft, software piracy, focusing on white collar crimes such as economic fraud and unauthorized access

What legal response was introduced in the US to address early computer crimes?

The computer fraud and abuse act of 1986

What defines the global web era (1991-2000s) in terms of crime?

The public launch of the World Wide Web expanded communication and networking, enabling transnational crime like fraud, identity theft, cyberstalking and porn

How did the global web era affect the “invisibility” of crime?

Time and space constraints weakened, increasing opportunities for criminals to exploit and commit offenses with less risk of detection

What technologies emerged to control crime during the global web era?

Facial recognition systems, biometric measurements and increased use of surveillance like CCTV cameras

What concerns arise from increased technological surveillance?

The “price of protection” includes privacy invasion and potential misuse of surveillance technologies

What characterizes the social web era (2000s- present) regarding crime

Rise of social networking, faster connectivity via smartphones, amplification of cyber bullying, invasion of privacy, doxing, online fraud and emergence of dark web

What new forms of crimes are enabled by AI according to Hayward and Maas (2020)?

AI tools used for deepfake scams, voice cloning fraud and automated cyberattacks like AI generated malware (Trojan horses)

What is the surveillance and privacy paradox?

Increased surveillance tools (e.g facial recognition, big data analytics) improve crime control but raise privacy concerns and risks of bias such as racial profiling

How does Foucault’s concept of the panopticon relate to digital surveillance?

Surveillance induces self regulation by individuals due to the possibility of being watched, even if no is actually observing them

What challenges does digital data manipulation pose for crime control?

Digital evidence can be unreliable, deepfakes can be misused, and courts may struggle to determine truth and digital evidence

Why do law enforcement agencies face resource and expertise gaps in combating cybercrime?

They often lack technical skills and resources needed to understand and counter AI enhanced criminal tactics

What jurisdictional issues complicate cybercrime control?

Cybercrimes cross borders, leading to legal fragmentation, extradition challenges, requiring international cooperation and standardized legal frameworks

What is the overall impact of technology on crime and crime control?

Technology has created new digital and AI driven crimes, complicated traditional offenses, and posed challenges like privacy concerns, jurisdictional issues and the need for updating policing skills

What must legal and policing strategies do to effectively control crime in the digital age?

Adapt quickly to technological changes while balancing security needs with protecting individual rights.