Essential Cyber Laws for Digital Users
Internet is just like life. It is interesting and we spend a lot of time doing amusing things here, but it comes with its fair share of trouble. With the technology boom and easy Internet access across the country, cyber crime, too, has become a pretty common occurrence. From hacking into computers to making fraudulent transactions online, there are many ways in which we can become a victim of illegal cyber activities.
To regulate such activities that violate the rights of an Internet user, the Indian government has the Information Technology Act, 2000, in place. Here are some of its sections that empower Internet users and attempt to safeguard the cyberspace.
- Section 65 – Tampering with computer Source Documents
A person who intentionally conceals, destroys or alters any computer source code (such as programmes, computer commands, design and layout), when it is required to be maintained by law commits an offence and can be punished with 3 years’ imprisonment or a fine of 2 Lakhs INR or both
- Section 66 - Using password of another person
If a person fraudulently uses the password, digital signature or other unique identification of another person, he/she can face imprisonment up to 3 years or/and a fine of 1 Lakh INR.
- Section 66D - Cheating Using computer resource
If a person cheats someone using a computer resource or a communication device, he/she could face imprisonment up to 3 years or/and fine up to 1 Lakh INR
- Section 66E - Publishing private Images of Others
If a person captures, transmits or publishes images of a person’s private parts without his/her consent or knowledge, the person is entitled to imprisonment up to 3 years of fine up to 2 Lakhs INR or both
- Section 66F - Acts of cyber Terrorism
A person can face life imprisonment if he/she denies an authorized person the access to the computer resource or attempts to penetrate/access a computer resource without authorization, with an aim to threaten the unity, integrity, security or sovereignty of the nation. This is a non-bailable offence.
- Section 67 - Publishing Child Porn or predating children online
If a person captures, publishes or transmits images of a child in a sexually explicit act or induces anyone under the age of 18 into a sexual act, then the person can face imprisonment up to 7 years or fine up to 10 lakhs INR or both
- Section 69 - Govt.'s Power to block websites
If the government feel it necessary in the interest of sovereignty and integrity of India, it can intercept, monitor or decrypt any information generated, transmitted, received or stored in any computer resource. The power is subject to compliance of procedure. Under section 69A, the central government can also block any information from public access.
- Section 43A - Data protection at Corporate level
If a body corporate is negligent in implementing reasonable security practices which causes wrongful loss or gain to any person, such body corporate shall be liable to pay damages to the affection person.