Google Ordered to Name Cyberstalker

Stalking is about domination. It is one or more persons continually making efforts to control another person’s life and thoughts by paying unwanted attention. Stalking is when someone contacts you when you repeatedly request that they do not. They watch, follow, call, email, text, fax or continually send mail to you after you request they do not. Stalking is psychological terror. Celebrities and everyday people are potential victims of the stalker.

Stalkers become obsessive investigators, interrogators, intimidators and terrorists. Some stalking statistics report almost a million and a half people are being stalked by an ex-boyfriend, ex-girlfriend, ex-husband, ex-wife, estranged husband, estranged wife, secret admirer, or an infatuated mentally unstable individual.

Stalkers make you a prisoner in your own life. They make it known that they know where you have been, whom you have spoken to, what you have done and where you are going next. They insist that they cannot live without you and you cannot live without them.

With today’s technology, stalking has never been easier to stalk and it’s never been easier for stalkers to hide.

Until now.

Information week reports “A New York judge has ordered Google to reveal the identity of a cyberstalker who has anonymously posted video and messages on the Internet. The videos included sexual slurs and damaging information that could affect the woman’s reputation and career.

She was quoted saying “I don’t care about being called names. It was a safety issue. The Internet cannot become a safe haven for harassers and stalkers.”

And how right she is.

Cyberstalking is going away, but finally government and corporations are now thinking progressively and considering victims of these crimes and acting on their behalf accordingly.

Tips:

Set up Google alerts to keep you in tune to any postings of your name.

If something comes up that is in any way threatening report it to the police and develop a paper trail.

Every internet site has some form of “contact us” page that you can submit your concerns too.

If you do not get any response have a lawyer send a letter.

Dogs: this is also a good time to get a vicious dog. With little research a fully-grown Doberman, Pit-bull, German shepherd, Rottweiler or any other dog trained to kill can be a lifesaver. There are many outfits that will rent you a guard dog while you are in jeopardy.

Make sure you notify friends, family, neighbors, co-workers and local businesses who you are a customer of and acquainted with what your situation is and show photos of the stalker. Your circle of relationships might be a significant factor in staying safe.

Self Defense: knowing how to disable an attacker armed or unarmed should be a staple of everyday living. When you are being stalked you are essentially at war and need to understand the fundamentals of armed and unarmed combat. Once you have the tools to debilitate another human being, that’s when you decide if carrying a weapon is appropriate.

Home Security: if there was ever a time to install an alarm, it is when you are being stalked. Make sure it is monitored by local law enforcement and keep it on while you are home during the day and when you sleep at night. Wireless alarms can be installed quickly and there are no phone lines to cut.

Robert Siciliano personal security expert to Home Security Source discussing burglar proofing your home on Fox Boston. Disclosures.