Incitement to Suicide in the Digital Age: A Comparative Legal Study of Criminal Liability
Incitement to Suicide in the Digital Age: A Comparative Legal Study of Criminal Liability

Summary/Abstract: From a comparative legal point of view, the research focuses on incitement to suicide in contemporary times, noting the challenges that modern technologies and social media platforms bring. The study poses a key question about the adequacy of national and international laws in tackling the phenomenon of digital incitement to suicide and establishing the criminal responsibility of perpetrators and digital companies. The study uses analytical and comparative methods by analyzing the legal systems of some countries (for instance, Saudi Arabia and France) and international treaties like the Budapest Convention. It also analyzes the extent to which digital platforms and artificial intelligence algorithms are either enabling the spread of these crimes or helping to counter them. The results point out the lack of laws against digital incitement to suicide — and most prominently, how to hold digital companies responsible. The report concluded that international cooperation should be strengthened to create unified legislation, while technical tools should be developed to reduce incitement through digital platforms. It also calls for national legislation to be updated to meet the digital challenges of today (Council of Europe, 2001). This ongoing research seeks to contribute to the legal literature around this issue by providing insights and recommendations for policymakers and legislatures on how to better support prevention and accountability in this area.

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