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Ethical, Legal, and Practical Issues in the Control and Regulation of Suicide Promotion and Assistance over the Internet
Author(s) -
Mishara Brian L.,
Weisstub David N.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
suicide and life‐threatening behavior
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.544
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1943-278X
pISSN - 0363-0234
DOI - 10.1521/suli.2007.37.1.58
Subject(s) - the internet , warrant , promotion (chess) , criminology , control (management) , value (mathematics) , political science , public relations , internet privacy , law , psychology , business , computer science , finance , politics , world wide web , artificial intelligence , machine learning
The promotion of suicide and description of suicide methods on the Internet have led to widespread concern that legal control is mandated. Apart from value concerns pertaining to attitudes about suicide, the guarantee of freedom of expression presents a serious challenge to the introduction of restrictive laws. Recent developments in Australia and Europe are presented, noting jurisdictional complexity as an obstacle to effective application. Finally, scientific data of an epidemiological nature are revealed to be insufficient to warrant making causal assertions about the Internet and its relation to suicidal acts, including those of vulnerable populations. Recommendations are made with respect to public education, suicide prevention, and future research.