A tragic cyber bullying case has led the province of Nova Scotia to take unprecedented steps—including both criminal and civil action—to interrupt aggressive online activities.
The new legislation is a response to the death of 17-year-old Rehtaeh Parsons, who killed herself two years after a digital photo of her at a party was distributed to students at her high school.
Under the criminal portion of the law, victims can obtain a protection order to restrict the actions of an offender. Legal authority is also available to force disclosure of the identity of anyone who has used an anonymous online account to harass someone.
Cyber bullies can also be sued in civil court, and damages can be levied against parents if the offender is a minor.