5 things you didn’t know about Cybercrime

The Ministry of Home Affairs has asked all States to examine and register First Information Reports (FIRs) based on the complaints received on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal – www.cybercrime.gov.in. As per data available with the Ministry, only 2.5% of total complaints registered on the portal are converted into FIRs.

1. Which laws govern cybercrime in India?

Both the Indian Penal Code,1860 and the Information Technology Act, 2000 govern cybercimes in India.

2. Stealing someone’s identity

Identity theft means when someone fraudulently or dishonestly uses your electronic signature, password, or any other unique identification feature. For example, if someone steals your Instagram password, it is identity theft. The punishment for identity theft is imprisonment for up to three years and a fine of up to Rupees one lakh.

3. Violating privacy

The law punishes anyone who violates someone’s privacy to intentionally record, publish, or transmit images of that person’s private areas without their consent. For example, if someone takes photographs of your private parts without your permission, and publishes the photos on their social media, they have violated your privacy. The punishment for this is imprisonment for up to three years and/or a fine of up to Rupees two lakh.

4. Circulating obscene material online

Any person can be punished for electronically publishing or transmitting any material which is lustful/lewd, appealing to sexual interest, or material which corrupts those who see/read/hear it. Continuing the earlier example, if someone were to post pictures of your private parts on their social media, this could also be an offence of circulating obscene material online. The punishment for circulating obscene material is imprisonment for up to three years and a fine of up to Rupees five lakh.

5. Reporting cybercrime

You can approach the police or your State Cyber cells for filing a complaint against cybercrime. You can also file an online complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.