Cybercrime in India: Laws, regulations, and enforcement mechanisms

Abstract

Cybercrime involves the use of computers or computer network to commit criminal activity. Cybercrime is not unique to India. As the country has experienced technological innovation in the last two decades, the use and misuse of the Internet also spread across the country. As of 2016, India is globally ranked third for “malicious activity, " whereas China and the United States have taken the first and the second place, respectively (Mallapur 2016). Also, the number of Internet users in India has reached over 330 million in 2017 and projected to grow to about 512 million in 2022 (Statista 2019). With these growing trends, the country has witnessed an increase in cybercrimes such as phishing, introducing malicious codes, identity theft, bank fraud, transmission of sexually explicit materials, cyberstalking, and cyberbullying. The chapter provides a brief description of the Indian government structure, including the legislative and judicial branches, law enforcement, legislations dealing with cybercrimes, and the nature and extent of cybercrimes. Also, the current debate about cybercrimes in the country is presented.