Senator Farley Announces Bill To Combat Computer Crimes Against Children

State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R, C - Schenectady) announced on December 19th, that the New York State Senate recently passed legislation to combat computer crimes against children. The bill (S.1921) establishes a felony offense, Computer Sex Crime, when an offender uses a computer to facilitate and commit a sex crime against a child.

The Internet has altered the types of crimes that can be committed and increased the ease with which individuals can be victimized. Most notably, false identities in cyberspace provide a new medium for dangerous predators to victimize vulnerable individuals, particularly children.

Under current law, a sex crime against a child includes the commission or attempted commission of sexual conduct, or the use or promotion of a sexual performance involving a child under 17 years old.

The bill was sent to the Assembly.