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Cyber crime knows no boundaries
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| 14 April 2005 |
Cyber crime cost the UK billions of pounds last year, according to a survey conducted by the National Hi-Tech Crime Unit. But these financial costs do not come close to the harm it can cause, particularly to vulnerable and helpless victims of Internet child abuse and computer-related crimes involving racial hatred.
Earlier this month, the Home Office released its strategy on digital technology for the UK, following the publication of a joint report with the Department of Trade and Industry, entitled Connecting the UK: the digital strategy, in March. As part of this strategy, the Government announced the development of a new centre dedicated to the protection of children on the internet. The centre will sit alongside the Serious Organised Crime Agency and will be launched in April 2006.
Crime that permeates international borders and is instantaneous requires a response from police that goes beyond the core set of investigative principles and terrestrial concepts of law. Traditional policing activity responds to local criminality. It requires effective partnership working as the term 'policing' becomes increasingly diffuse within and between nation states. The policing of terrestrial space, therefore, also demands a partnership approach.
Police investigations that challenge conventional wisdom also need to reflect the values and regulations in which they operate. Therefore, the service should consider developing a code of 'cyber ethics', particularly in relation to policing globally, because the impact of policing in one country will have an impact on other national forces.
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