Tanya Sharma, Manipal University, Jaipur
ABSTRACT
The digital transformation in India has brought remarkable growth in internet penetration, with millions of users integrating the internet into their daily lives for banking, commerce, education, and social interaction. However, this rapid digital expansion has also made India increasingly vulnerable to cybercrimes, which are escalating in both frequency and sophistication. Cybercrimes in India range from financial frauds, phishing scams, identity theft, and cyber harassment to large-scale data breaches and even cyber terrorism. This paper investigates the rise of cybercrimes in India, examining the unique socio-economic and legal challenges posed by these digital offenses.
The impact of cybercrimes on victims is profound and multifaceted. Financial losses due to cyber fraud can be devastating for individuals and businesses alike. Victims of identity theft and social media crimes often face lasting emotional and psychological harm, with reputational damage being another significant consequence. Corporate entities and government institutions, too, suffer from breaches that compromise their operational integrity and lead to huge financial and security losses. Furthermore, privacy violations from unauthorized data access can lead to long-term insecurity and erode public trust in digital systems.
While the Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act) remains India’s foundational legal framework for addressing cybercrimes, it faces numerous limitations in adapting to evolving threats. The enforcement of cyber laws is challenging due to jurisdictional issues, resource constraints, and the rapid advancement of cybercrime techniques, often outpacing legal adaptations. This paper highlights these issues and discusses the gaps within existing legal protections and enforcement mechanisms.
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