Cyber Laws in India prevent any crime done using technology, where a computer is a tool for cybercrime. The laws for cybercrime protects citizens from dispensing sensitive information to a stranger online. Ever since the introduction to cyber laws in India happened, IT Act 2000 was enacted and amended in 2008 covering different types of crimes under cyber law in India. The Act explains the types of cybercrime and punishment.
Cyberlaw in India is not a separate legal framework. Its a combination of Contract, Intellectual property, Data protection, and privacy laws. With the Computer and internet taking over every aspect of our life, there was a need for strong cyber law. Cyber laws supervise the digital circulation of information, software, information security, e-commerce, and monetary transactions.
The Information Technology Act, 2000 addresses the gamut of new-age crimes. Computer technology, mobile devices, software, and the internet are both medium and target of such crimes.
All Traditional criminal activities are such as theft, fraud, forgery, defamation, and mischief are part of cyberspace. These were addressed in the Indian Penal Code already.
Table of Content:
Importance of Cyber Law in India
Types of Cyber Crimes
Evolution of Cyber Law in India
The Need for Cyber Laws
What is the Information Technology Act, 2000?
How to Prevent Cyber Crime?
Frequently Asked Questions
Strong cyber Law was needed to address:
Cyber Crimes
Electronic and Digital Signatures
Intellectual Property
Data Protection and Privacy
Importance of Cyber Law in India
Cyber laws in India or cybercrime law in India are important because of the prime reason that cybercrime act in India encompasses and covers all the aspects which occur on or with the internet – transactions, and activities which concern the internet and cyberspace.
“The Cyber Laws in India has paved the way for electronic commerce and electronic governance in the country by ensuring maximum connectivity and minimum cybersecurity risks. Also, enhancing the scope and expanding the use of digital mediums,” says Advocate Krishnamohan K Menon.
Types of Cyber Crimes
Different types of cybercrimes have different punishments in India.
Identity theft – When personal information of a person is stolen with the purpose of using their financial resources or to take a loan or credit card in their name then such a crime is known as Identity theft.
Cyberterrorism – When a threat of extortion or any kind of harm is being subjected towards a person, organization, group or state, it is known as the crime of Cyber Terrorism. Generally, it includes the well-planned attack strategies on the Government and corporate computer system.
Cyberbullying – When a teenager or adolescent harasses, defames, or intimidates someone with the use of the internet, phone, chat rooms, instant messaging or any other social network then the person is said to be committing the crime ofCyberbullying. When the same crime is done by adults it is known as Cyberstalking.
Hacking – The most common cybercrime is Hacking. In this crime, the person gets access to other people’s computers and passwords to use it for their own wrongful gain.
Defamation – While every individual has his or her right to speech on internet platforms as well, but if their statements cross a line and harm the reputation of any individual or organization, then they can be charged with the Defamation Law.
Copyright – With the massive surge in internet users, when the data/ information is distributed on all platforms, copyrighting your work aids you to restrict the use of your work. Any use of your copyrighted without your permission is a punishable offence.
Trade Secrets – Internet organization spends a lot of their time and money in developing softwares, applications, and tools and rely on Cyber Laws to protect their data and trade secrets against theft; doing which is a punishable offence.
Freedom of Speech – When it comes to the internet, there is a very thin line between freedom of speech and being a cyber-offender. As freedom of speech enables individuals to speak their mind, cyber law refrains obscenity and crassness over the web.
Harassment and Stalking – Harassment and stalking are prohibited over internet platforms as well. Cyber laws protect the victims and prosecute the offender against this offence.
Navneet Sahu 