Being annoying, offensive or maybe even provocative online could become illegal in Arizona if legislators move forward with a bill.
Arizona House Bill 2549 would amend the telephone harassment section of the state’s anti-stalking law to include the communication technology of the day in an effort to combat cyberbullying.
The portion in question reads: “It is unlawful for any person, with intent to terrify, intimidate, threaten, harass, annoy or offend, to use any electronic or digital device and use any obscene, lewd or profane language or suggest any lewd or lascivious act, or threaten to inflict physical harm to the person or property of any person.”
“Electronic or digital device” would supplant “telephone.” But the substitution may alter the focus of the law, some contend.
It’s hard to know what way to take this. Probably best not to react at all.
Trolling, a criminal offense in Arizona? (LA Times, Tech Now)
(Hat tip: Miranda Wrights)
