The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on cybercrime

Abstract

The coronavirus, which became a global pandemic in the spring of 2020, and the state measures taken in response have significantly altered the functioning of the society. This change has also affected crime: As online presence has become the new norm instead of personal interactions, the number of offline crimes has fallen and that of the online ones increased. As millions of people began to perform their routine activities online, so did criminals have taken advantage of the opportunities this new development offered. The study focuses on this significant change, analysing the different types of crime involved, such as online fraud and child pornography, and also highlights the issue of fake news, as not only public actors but criminals also have an interest in it, profiting from others’ fear. In this study, I am looking for the answer as to what new trends have emerged as a result of the epidemic, and what responses have been made to them. Criticism for these provisions I will also present. Studying the issue is particularly important because, as it stands, the epidemic will remain with us for years to come, so the increased online presence will not decrease in the future and may never return to its pre-epidemic level.