Legal Question in Technology Law in Indiana

Re: Threat over the internet.

Threats over the Internet should be viewed much like threats by letter. The use of the internet does not change the liability. The threat by one youth to beat up another youth is no more or less actionable because it occurs over the internet. However, proof of the threat is much easier than if the threat was made over the phone or in person. The emailer who made the threat, unless they did it anonymously such as through a spoofer, is pretty dumb because the email proves the threat was made. The one threatened should take it to the principal of the school or to the local police, depending on where the threat is made and where the threatened action is likely to occur. But, telling the authorities is no different because it is done over the Internet.