David Debono
MGRM PrideWeek Y
ear in, and year out, we hear about bullying and discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identification. So it’s refreshing to hear about lgbtq (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, Questioning/Queer) organisations who are constantly promoting lgbtq rights. One such organisation is mgrm, the Malta Gay Rights Movement. mgrm has a jam-packed couple of months ahead of it, with plans for the international day against homophobia (idaho) and preparations for pride week 2011, of which the theme is ‘I am pride’. ‘I am pride’ kicks off on 4 July, and culminates on 13 July with ‘Women Space’, an event held exclusively for individuals who identify as female. The main event, the annual pride march through Valletta, will occur on 9 July, and the week will include three screenings of lgbtq specific films.
mgrm campaigns such as pride week not only show the pride that lgbtq people feel, but also promote what members of the lgbtq community worldwide have already achieved in terms of acceptance, and thus reveal what Malta lacks. mgrm has held the pride march for the past six years, and turnout has steadily increased, with the number of participants reaching around 250 last year. This year, the NGO wants the participants to feel that they are actively participating in the ongoing struggle for lgbtq equality , which is why the theme ‘I am pride’ was opted for. Everyone is invited to show their support during pride week, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. If you feel strongly about lgbtq issues and wish to give your support, you are more than welcome to attend any event.
Rona Custò
GhSK, ICTSA & ASCS towards
one investigation:
Cyber Crime! G
ħsk, together with ascs and ictsa held a Cyber Crime Seminar on 14 May, at the Police Academy in Valletta. This seminar was held with the participation of the Cyber Crime Unit of the Malta Police Force, GO, kpmg, and uom ICT lecturers specialising in the field of internet security The concept of cyberspace has developed from science fiction into a socially constructed reality, and with an estimated 1.9 billion internet users worldwide, it is safe to assume that among them one also finds those with bad intentions. As technology has been developing and evolving in rapidly over the last few years, the spotlight on criminality shifted. Crime has taken on a new dimension in the world of cyberspace, and it must be acknowledged that the fabric of traditional criminal law is being seriously strained. Daily life has become intricately intertwined with computer and digital devices, and with the concept of E-everything; from personal online profiles to the way we conduct business, we are now aware that computers, and the infor-
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The Insiter • MAy 2011
mation they store, have expanded the ability of criminals to perpetrate traditional crimes while posing huge challenges to the criminal justice community. The amount of personal and sensitive data being stored on the internet is an increasingly vast pool of opportunities for online criminals to prey on the way it is often left vulnerable and unsafe. It is imperative that organisations incorporate security as an essential element of information systems and networks, while being aware of what they can do to enhance security, as well as adopting a comprehensive approach to security management. Internet, and the veil of anonymity it can offer, is a threateningly increasing tool for individuals who use it to stalk or threaten people, commit online fraud or hacking, carry out cyber terrorism and distribute child pornography. Globally, law enforcement agencies have been investing in special units solely dedicated to intelligence gathering and investigation of this constantly evolving crime.