Cyber Safety & Information Technology Act, 2000

Summary of Article by K.Satish Kumar, legal head of a leading software company in India.

The Internet revolution has made possible the availability of many services over the internet such as online banking, job seeking, travel related, buying and selling, etc. conveniently and cost effectively. It has also resulted in the rise of many communities with similar interests. But this has led to a tremendous increase in cyber crimes. The Information Technology Act, 2000, which recognizes the authenticity of electronic records provides for the legal handling of cyber crimes.

Given below are some cyber crimes and their legal recourse:

Hacking

Hacking is an illegal intrusion into a computer system and/or network.

As per the IT Act 2000, whoever commits hacking shall be punished with imprisonment up to three years, or with fine which may extend up to two lakhs of rupees, or with both.

Child Pornography

The Internet is being highly used by its abusers to reach and abuse children sexually, worldwide.

The IT Act 2000, provides imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years and with fine which may extend to one lakh rupees and in the event of a second or subsequent conviction with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years and also with fine which may extend to two lakh rupees.

Other cyber crimes are

• Cyber Stalking
• Virus Dissemination
• Software Piracy
• Credit Card Fraud
• Phishing

Tips and Precautions for Cyber Safety

• Careful choosing and use of password
• Protect yourself from viruses by installing anti-virus software and updating it regularly.
• Careful opening of file attachments to an e-mail
• Report and complain to Internet service provider on Spam and suspected hacking

Important Clauses of the Information Technology Act 2000

Some important clauses of the Information Technology Act as to what are electronic records and how digital signatures can provide authentication of electronic records are also discussed.

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