Challenges facing legislators

Information can be transferred in ways that were not previously possible Technology evolves quickly so new types of crime become possible // some crimes are easier // future problems may not be understood; Global nature of Internet means crimes may be committed in one country from outside its direct jurisdiction // laws are often national/local whilst the Internet is global // digital crime can be committed from a great distance // different countries have different laws; Some crimes may be committed by states rather than individuals; Different countries / cultures may have different attitudes to principles important to computer science (such as copyright, intellectual property, privacy); Note: this point relates to attitudes not legislation Methods such as encryption make it harder to monitor criminal activity // electronic evidence may be harder to gather than physical evidence // can be harder to identify culprits online peer-to-peer systems make it harder to identify criminal Individuals may have access to large amounts of sensitive information that may be of public interest // conflicts between freedom of speech/information and privacy / state secrets; Technology companies (can use their wealth) to lobby for their own interests // concern over influence of companies on legislators; Resources required to enforce legislation may not be available