CK • Washington.   Wie hier nach der Unterzeichnung des Violence Against Women Act, VAWA, am 5. Januar 2006 berichtet, wurde der Straftatbestand des Ärgerns auf das Internet ausgedehnt. Dass es doch kein Aprilscherz ist, kann man jetzt im Gesetzestext, der den Communications Act of 1934 in 47 USC §223(h)(1) ändert, feststellen. §223(h) besagt:

(h) Definitions
For purposes of this section-
(1) The use of the term "telecommunications device" in this section-
(A) shall not impose new obligations on broadcasting station licensees and cable operators covered by obscenity and indecency provisions elsewhere in this chapter; and
(B) does not include an interactive computer service.

§113(a) VAWA ändert §223(h)(1) und fügt hinzu:

(C) in the case of subparagraph (C) of subsection (a)(1), includes any device or software that can be used to originate telecommunications or other types of communications that are transmitted, in whole or in part, by the Internet ...

§223(a)(1)(C) besagt wiederum, nach den Worten Whoever in interstate or foreign communications-

(C) makes a telephone call or utilizes a telecommunications device, whether or not conversation or communication ensues, without disclosing his identity and with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten, or harass any person at the called number or who receives the communications;

Der Absatz schließt mit den Worten shall be fined under title 18 or imprisoned not more than two years, or both.