米国：カリフォルニア州刑法の一部改正－他人の偽装の禁止

カリフォルニア州刑法が一部改正され，他人を加害する目的で，インターネット上で別人であるように偽装する行為（impersonation）が禁止されることになった。

California Penal Code Section 528.5

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any person who knowingly and without consent credibly impersonates another actual person through or on an Internet Web site or by other electronic means for purposes of harming, intimidating, threatening, or defrauding another person is guilty of a public offense punishable pursuant to subdivision (d).
(b) For purposes of this section, an impersonation is credible if another person would reasonably believe, or did reasonably believe, that the defendant was or is the person who was impersonated.
(c) For purposes of this section, "electronic means" shall include opening an e-mail account or an account or profile on a social networking Internet Web site in another person's name.
(d) A violation of subdivision (a) is punishable by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, or by both that fine and imprisonment.
(e) In addition to any other civil remedy available, a person who suffers damage or loss by reason of a violation of subdivision (a) may bring a civil action against the violator for compensatory damages and injunctive relief or other equitable relief pursuant to paragraphs (1), (2), (4), and (5) of subdivision (e) and subdivision (g) of Section 502.
(f) This section shall not preclude prosecution under any other law.

日本では，特定電子メール適正化法により，商業宣伝用の電子メールに関してはヘッダ情報の偽装を禁止し，違反行為を処罰することができるが，それ以外については一般的な禁止法令が存在しない。

立法者の世界観の問題かもしれないが，サイバー法の領域全体を見渡した根本的な法改正が必要だと思われる。