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Peace Legal Information: Making Law Simple for Every Citizen

Peace Legal Information: Making Law Simple for Every Citizen

Table of Contents Introduction — purpose & scope Why legal awareness matters Rights & Duties — equal and reciprocal Role of Police — how to cooperate Everyday laws to keep handy How to use the law to protect yourself Conclusion Introduction — purpose & scope Peace4.in brings plain-English legal information to every person living in or visiting India. This pinned page is a gateway: it explains the site's purpose, how to navigate topic clusters, and how the law can be used to prevent harm and resolve disputes through recognised legal channels. We focus only on Indian legal context and practical steps. Our aim is to increase legal literacy, encourage lawful behaviour, and support peaceful, constructive resolution of conflicts. ↑ Back to top Why legal awareness matters Legal knowledge empowers you to avoid common mistakes, make informed decisions, and access remed...
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What Is Considered a Cybercrime in India? Definitions & Real-Life Examples

 

What Is Considered a Cybercrime in India? Definitions & Real-Life Examples



What Is Considered a Cybercrime in India?

Cybercrime in India refers to any unlawful activity carried out through computers, mobile devices, or the internet. These crimes can affect individuals, businesses, or even the government. As digital access becomes more widespread, it's critical that Indian citizens and professionals understand what counts as a cybercrime and how to legally protect themselves.

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Definition of Cybercrime

A cybercrime is any criminal offense committed using a computer, mobile device, or digital network. These acts may involve stealing data, harming a person's reputation, financial scams, or harassment. Indian law treats these offenses seriously, and many are punishable with jail time and fines.

Common Types of Cybercrime in India

  • Phishing: Fake messages tricking users into revealing bank details or OTPs.
  • Hacking: Unauthorized access to someone's device or digital account.
  • Online Bank Fraud: UPI scams, credit card misuse, fake support calls.
  • Social Media Impersonation: Creating fake profiles to defame or scam.
  • Cyberbullying & Harassment: Online threats, trolling, or abuse.
  • Sextortion: Using private images or videos to blackmail individuals.
  • Cyber Defamation: Posting false content to damage someone's reputation.

Key Indian Laws for Cybercrime

  • Section 66C IT Act: Identity theft and misuse of digital credentials.
  • Section 66D IT Act: Cheating via impersonation using electronic means.
  • Section 67 IT Act: Publishing or transmitting obscene content online.
  • IPC Section 419 & 420: Cheating and impersonation (offline or online).
  • IPC Section 500: Criminal defamation including online platforms.

Real-Life Cybercrime Cases

Mumbai Phishing Scam (2024): Victims lost over ₹25 lakh after clicking fake SMS links posing as RBI messages.

Deepfake Crisis in Delhi: Celebrities were targeted with explicit AI-generated videos. FIRs filed under IT Act and IPC Section 67A.

Matrimonial Fraud in Hyderabad: A woman lost ₹4 lakh after being duped by a fake NRI groom on a matchmaking site.

Email Breach in Bangalore: A company reported theft of customer data after a Gmail hack. CERT-IN and cyber police acted promptly.

Am I a Victim of Cybercrime?

If you can answer “yes” to any of the following, you may be a victim:

  • Have you received phishing messages or suspicious links?
  • Have your personal photos/videos been leaked without consent?
  • Do you see transactions in your account you didn’t authorize?
  • Has someone posted false or harmful content about you online?

What to Do If You’re Targeted

  1. Preserve Evidence: Take screenshots, save messages and transaction IDs.
  2. File a Complaint: Visit cybercrime.gov.in or the nearest police/cyber cell.
  3. Report to Platforms: File takedown requests on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc.
  4. Use Legal Channels: Refer to the step-by-step guide here.

Prevention Tips

  • Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
  • Don't click on suspicious links or attachments.
  • Install antivirus software and keep systems updated.
  • Educate children and elderly family members about scams.
  • Limit sharing sensitive information online.

Cybercrime and the Workplace

Cyberattacks also target employees and businesses through data leaks, phishing, and malware. Every organization should have cyber protocols and staff training. Under Indian law, data breaches must be reported to authorities. Companies should also conduct regular digital audits and enforce cybersecurity policies.

Legal Resources and Cyber Cells

Each state has a cybercrime police unit that handles online complaints. You can also reach out to CERT-IN for coordination on major incidents. Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad have well-functioning cybercrime cells with trained officers.

Emerging Threats

AI-based threats like deepfakes, voice cloning, and smart malware are rising. India is expected to bring in updated data protection laws to address future risks. Stay informed — and always verify digital activity involving your identity or money.

Further Reading

Return to the Cyber Law for the Everyday Indian (Pillar Post)

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Location: India