When the journalist Kurt Eichenwald opened an animated image sent to him on Twitter in December, the message “You deserve a seizure for your posts” appeared in capital letters along with a blinding strobe light. Mr. Eichenwald, who has epilepsy, immediately suffered a seizure.
And now, this incident has led to an arrest, with the accused facing maximum of 10 years in jail. One of the few incidents of trolling over the internet that has led to real life legal implications.
Personally, I think it's too less. Causing bodily harm via electronic media should be treated no differently than other means. He could've lost his life (seriously - seizures can cause asphyxiation).
Also worth noting that the accused is a Trump supporter.
If you're going to send anthrax in an envelope, don't leave your address on the envelope. That's what I kept thinking about this dolt who sent the GIF. The guy has a seizure and falls to the floor with the offending post still on the screen. How did the idiot criminal think this would work out? 10 years in prison is pretty decent punishment considering that any time in prison pretty much ruins your life.
And now, this incident has led to an arrest, with the accused facing maximum of 10 years in jail. One of the few incidents of trolling over the internet that has led to real life legal implications.
Personally, I think it's too less. Causing bodily harm via electronic media should be treated no differently than other means. He could've lost his life (seriously - seizures can cause asphyxiation).
Also worth noting that the accused is a Trump supporter.
If you're going to send anthrax in an envelope, don't leave your address on the envelope. That's what I kept thinking about this dolt who sent the GIF. The guy has a seizure and falls to the floor with the offending post still on the screen. How did the idiot criminal think this would work out? 10 years in prison is pretty decent punishment considering that any time in prison pretty much ruins your life.