‘Dangerous stalkers of digital world’ focus of city conference

THE GROWING dangers of cyberstalking and the rise of the ‘i-Predator’ are the focus for a Glasgow conference organised by a former Evening Times Scotswoman of the Year.

Ann Mould’s charity Action Against Stalking is the driving force behind the event, which brings together some of the UK’s leading cybersecurity experts.

Ann said: “Digital space is expanding and with it comes new, easier and better ways for cybercriminals to target victims.

“How easy is it for young people to access the dark web, home of the i-Predator – one of the most calculating and dangerous stalkers of the digital world, with their links to child abuse, child abduction, human trafficking, adult and child sexual exploitation, child criminal exploitation and financial fraud?

“Prior to the birth of the internet, these predators were the lone wolves of the stalking world, limited by their physical boundaries.

“The internet has allowed them to cast their net wider in their search for victims – how do adults, young people and children protect themselves from these unseen, unknown and faceless stalking predators?”

Tomorrow’s conference, which aims to raise awareness of how technology is being exploited to harm others, will be chaired by the Rt Hon Dame Elish Angiolini, honorary patron of Action Against Stalking.

Dr Michael Nuccitelli, author of The i-Predator, says: “As society moves further into what is defined as the Information Age, filled with digital technology and cyberspace, Dark Psychology and its impact on humanity will be tested at greater rates.”

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Action Against Stalking is Scotland’s only anti-stalking charity.

It was set up by Ann in 2009, following her own terrifying ordeal at the hands of a stalker.

Her tireless campaigning led to new legislation and tougher sentences for stalking crimes across Scotland, throughout the UK and in Europe.

Ann added: “We are honoured to have Victim Support Europe presenting at our conference this year to help raise awareness of the perpetration of crime across national and international borders.”