Ethical, Legal, and Practical Issues in the Control and Regulation of Suicide Promotion and Assistance Over the Internet

The promotion of suicide & description of methods on the Internet have led to widespread concern that legal control is mandated. Recent developments in Australia & Europe are presented which note jurisdictional complexity as an obstacle to effective application. Scientific epidemiological data are revealed to be insufficient to warrant making causal assertions about the Internet & its relation to suicidal acts, including those of vulnerable populations. Recommendations are made with respect to public education, suicide prevention, & future research. (36 refs.)