"Danielle Citron, a law professor at the University of Maryland, has specialised in cyber law and advised social media companies on how to shape their policies on abuse or harassment. Describing the project as "incredibly important", she says it is particularly encouraging as a means to educate law enforcement.
"The problem is people come to them, they're great with street crimes, but tracking down a poster is foreign to them. I'm not criticising them, but we need education."
She adds that although social media platforms have come a long way in providing protective measures, it's often unclear just how many ways users may be vulnerable, and this new language will help prevent trivialisation or misunderstandings between users and those who can help.
For now, Citron believes this is a promising moment for users, platforms and authorities alike.
"It's baby steps. At the moment many people don't understand what harassment means, it's too loose. It's important to have a set of definitions, and if we can get that right you can change social attitudes.""
- Date Published:02/21/2016
- Original Publication:BBC News