Abstract
Cybercrime involves the use of computers or computer network to commit criminal activity. Cybercrime is not unique to India. As the country has experienced technological innovation in the last two decades, the use and misuse of the Internet also spread across the country. As of 2016, India is globally ranked third for “malicious activity,” whereas China and the United States have taken the first and the second place, respectively (Mallapur 2016). Also, the number of Internet users in India has reached over 330 million in 2017 and projected to grow to about 512 million in 2022 (Statista 2019). With these growing trends, the country has witnessed an increase in cybercrimes such as phishing, introducing malicious codes, identity theft, bank fraud, transmission of sexually explicit materials, cyberstalking, and cyberbullying. The chapter provides a brief description of the Indian government structure, including the legislative and judicial branches, law enforcement, legislations dealing with cybercrimes, and the nature and extent of cybercrimes. Also, the current debate about cybercrimes in the country is presented.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Alam, A. A., Kumar, R., & Abbas, H. (2010). Indian government and politics. New Delhi: Pearson India.
Balakrishnan, A. (n.d.). Cyberstalking: Challenges in regulating cyberstalking at the cyberspace. Legal Service India. Retrieved 20 Jan 2019, from http://legalserviceindia.com/legal/article-214-cyber-stalking-challenges-in-regulating-cyberstalking-at-the-cyber-space.html
Bangera, K. (2018). Mastermind of a bitcoin [BTC] Ponzi scheme worth over $300 billion arrested in India. Retrieved 6 Apr 2018, from https://ambcrypto.com/mastermind-of-a-bitcoin-btc-ponzi-scheme-worth-over-300-billion-arrested-in-india/
Center for Advanced Research in Digital Forensics & Cyber Security. (n.d.). Cyber crime prevention against women and children (CCPWC). ardcindia.org. Retrieved 14 Mar 2019, from https://www.ardcindia.org/ccpwc/
Chakrabarty, B., & Pandey, R. K. (2008). Indian government and politics. New Delhi: Sage.
Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative. (n.d.). Police organization in India. Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative. Retrieved 3 Jan 2019, from https://www.humanrightsinitiative.org/old/publications/police/police_organisations.pdf
Copyright Office. (1957). The Copyright Act, 1957 (14 of 1957). Copyright.gov.in. Retrieved 10 Dec 2018, from http://copyright.gov.in/Documents/CopyrightRules1957.pdf
CRY. (2016). Media release: Crime against children in India. Retrieved 10 Aug 2018, from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/every-15-minutes-a-child-is-subjected-to-sexual-offence-in-india-cry-report/articleshow/63818155.cms
Deo, S. S. (2013). Cyberstalking and online harassment: A new challenge for law enforcement. Bharati Law Review, 2(1), 86–93.
Dey, S. (2015, July 18). Crimes against children jumped over 50% in one year. Times of India. Retrieved 10 Jan 2018, from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Crimes-against-children-jumped-over-50-in-one-year/articleshow/48120671.cms
Dharmaraj, S. (2019, January 9). India’s initiative for cyber crimes against women and children. Opengov. Retrieved 15 Jan 2019, from https://www.opengovasia.com/indias-initiative-for-cyber-crimes-against-women-and-children/
Discovered India. (n.d.). Government of India. Retrieved 2 Nov 2018, from http://www.discoveredindia.com/india-at-a-glance/government.htm
Dubbudu, R. (2016, September 2). Most number of cyber crimes reported in Maharashtra & Uttar Pradesh. Factly. Retrieved 10 Jan 2019, from https://factly.in/cyber-crimes-in-india-which-state-tops-the-chart/
Forensic & Integrity Services. (2017). Responding to cybercrime incidents in India. Retrieved July 23 2019, https://www.ey.com/Publication/vwLUAssets/ey-responding-to-cybercrime-incidents-in-India-new/$FILE/ey-responding-to-cybercrime-incidents-in-india.pdf
Government of India. (n.d.). A handbook of copyright law. Copyright.gov.in. Retrieved 15 Mar 2019, from http://copyright.gov.in/documents/handbook.html
Halder, D., & Jaishankar, H. (2017). Cyber crimes against women. New Delhi: Sage.
Helms, K. (2019, April 19). RBI excludes cryptocurrency from Indian regulatory sandbox. Bitcoin.com. Retrieved 29 May 2019, from https://news.bitcoin.com/rbi-cryptocurrency-indian-regulatory-sandbox/
Huillet, M. (2018, November 8). Innovation behind bars: The arrest of India’s first bitcoin “ATM” operators. cointelegraph. Retrieved 16 Mar 2019, from https://cointelegraph.com/news/innovation-behind-bars-the-arrest-of-indias-first-bitcoin-atm-operators
Indian Institute of Banking & Finance (IIBF). (2017). Cyber laws in India. iibf.org.in. Retrieved 17 Mar 2019, from http://iibf.org.in/documents/Cyber-Laws-chapter-in-Legal-Aspects-Book.pdf
Jani, S. (2018). The growth of cryptocurrency in India: Its challenges and potential impacts on legislation. ResearchGate. Retrieved 16 Mar 2019, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/324770908_The_Growth_of_Cryptocurrency_in_India_Its_Challenges_Potential_Impacts_on_Legislation
Kapadia, D. (2018, November 21). Cyber crimes against women and laws in India. LiveLaw.in. Retrieved 10 Jan 2019, from https://www.livelaw.in/cyber-crimes-against-women-and-laws-in-india/
Karan Girotra v. States & Another. (2012, May 8). In the high court of Delhi at New Delhi, Bail Application. 977/2011. Retrieved 10 Jan 2018, from https://indiankanoon.org/doc/107460954/
Kashetri, N. (2016). Cybercrime and cybersecurity in India: Causes, consequences and implications for the future. Crime, Law and Social Change, 66, 313–338.
Kaur, R., & Aggarwal, R. (2011). Cyber-squatting: Legal implications and judicial approaches: An Indian perspective. Computer Law and Security Review, 27, 653–658.
Kethineni, S., & Cao, Y. (2019). The rise in popularity of cryptocurrency and associated criminal activity. International Criminal Justice Review. https://doi.org/10.1177/1057567719827051
Khatri, Y. (2019). Indian government again discussing ban on cryptocurrencies: Report. Coindesk.com. Retrieved 28 May 2019, from https://www.coindesk.com/indian-government-again-discussing-ban-on-cryptocurrencies-report
Kumar, N. A., & Pandey, P. (2011). Cyber crime-law & enforcement in India. International Transactions in Applied Sciences, 3(1), 111–122.
Kumar, V. A., Pandey, K. K., & Punia, D. K. (2014). Cyber security threats in the power sector: Need for a domain specific regulatory framework in India. Energy Policy, 65, 126–133.
Liang, L., & Sundaram, R. (2011). India. In J. Karaganis (Ed.), Media piracy in emerging economies (pp. 339–398). New York, NY: Social Science Research Council.
Madanapalle, A. (2017, December 17). NCRB report shows trends in cybercrime in cities, states and union territories and it contains some surprising insights. firstpost.com. Retrieved 16 Mar 2019, from https://www.firstpost.com/tech/news-analysis/ncrb-report-shows-trends-in-cybercrime-in-cities-states-and-union-territories-and-contains-some-surprising-insights-4242851.html
Mali, A. P. (2015, January). Trolls, trolling & law. CSI Communications. Retrieved 31 Jan 2018, from https://www.academia.edu/10237949/Troll_Trolling_and_Law_in_India_By_Prashant_Mali
Mallapur, C. (2016, June 2). As net use spreads, cyber crimes up 19 times over10 years. Global Investigative Journalism Network, IndiaSpend. Retrieved 10 Jan 2019, from http://archive.indiaspend.com/cover-story/as-net-use-spreads-cyber-crimes-up-19-times-over-10-years-49007
Ministry of Communications & Information Technology. (2016, June 6). Advisory on functioning of matrimonial websites in accordance with the Information Technology Act, 2000 and Rules made thereunder. Deity.gov.in. Retrieved 15 Jan 2019, from https://www.dsci.in/sites/default/files/documents/resource_centre/Redefining%20Identity%20Management%20in%20the%20Digital%20World.pdf
Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology. (2009). The Information Technology (Amendment) Act, 2008. New Delhi: Ministry of Law, Justice. Retrieved 15 Jan 2019, from http://meity.gov.in/writereaddata/files/it_amendment_act2008%20%281%29_0.pdf
Ministry of Home Affairs. (n.d.). Cybercrime reporting portal. Retrieved 10 Jan 2019, from https://cybercrime.gov.in/cybercitizen/home.htm
Ministry of Law & Justice. (2012). The Copyright (Amendment) Act, 2012. The Gazette of India. World Intellectual Property Organization. Retrieved 16 Mar 2019, from https://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/en/in/in066en.pdf
Ministry of Law and Justice. (2009). The Information Technology (Amendment) Act, 2008. eprocurement,gov. Retrieved 1 Jan 2019, from http://eprocurement.gov.in/news/act2008.pdf
Ministry of Law, Justice and Company Affairs. (2000). The Information Technology Act, 2000. dot.gov.in. Retrieved 2 Jan 2019, from http://dot.gov.in/sites/default/files/itbill2000_0.pdf
Ministry of Women & Child Development. (2007). Study of child abuse in India. Government of India. Retrieved 10 Aug 2018, from https://childlineindia.org.in/pdf/MWCD-Child-Abuse-Report.pdf
Motion Picture Association. (2018a, January–June). India: IPR awareness workshops highlight the social and economic impact of piracy. MPA ASIA-Pacific Reporter. Retrieved from https://www.mpa-i.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/MPA-Reporter-Jan-June-2018.pdf
Motion Picture Association. (2018b, January–June). India: Screen sector contributes massive US$33.3 billion to India’s economy. MPA ASIA-Pacific Reporter. Retrieved from https://www.mpa-i.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/MPA-Reporter-Jan-June-2018.pdf
Motion Picture Association. (2018c, January–June). India: Court orders 8 major piracy websites blocked. MPA ASIA-Pacific Reporter. Retrieved from https://www.mpa-i.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/MPA-Reporter-Jan-June-2018.pdf
My Legal Work Private Limited. (2018). Data theft, cyber crime and data protection laws in India. MyLegalWork. Retrieved 15 Jan 2019, from https://mylegalwork.com/guides/data-theft
Nair, P. (2017, September 2). The game of death: “Blue whale challenge” in India. Mainstream Weekly, 55(37). Retrieved 15 Jan 2019, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319479309_The_Game_of_Death_'Blue_Whale_Challenge'_in_India
Nanjappa, V. (2015, October 10). New wave of cyber crime against women in India. Oneindia. Retrieved 15 Jan 2019, from https://www.oneindia.com/india/new-wave-cyber-crime-against-women-1894591.html
Nappinai, N. (2010). Cyber crime law in India: Has law kept pace with emerging trends? An empirical study. Journal of International Commercial Law and Technology, 5(1), 22–27.
National Crime Records Bureau. (2008). Crime in India 2008 statistics. New Delhi: Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
National Crime Records Bureau. (2009). Crime in India 2009 statistics. New Delhi: Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
National Crime Records Bureau. (2010). Crime in India 2010 statistics. New Delhi: Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
National Crime Records Bureau. (2011). Crime in India 2011 statistics. New Delhi: Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
National Crime Records Bureau. (2012). Crime in India 2012 statistics. New Delhi: Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
National Crime Records Bureau. (2013). Crime in India 2013 statistics. New Delhi: Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
National Crime Records Bureau. (2014). Crime in India 2014 statistics. New Delhi: Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
National Crime Records Bureau. (2015). Crime in India 2015 statistics. New Delhi: Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
National Crime Records Bureau. (2016). Crime in India 2016 statistics. New Delhi: Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
Nayak, D. (2013, September 13). India: Copyright protection for computer software: An Indian perspective. mondaz. Retrieved 15 Jan 2019, from http://www.mondaq.com/india/x/262564/Copyright/Copyright+Protection+For+Computer+Software+An+Indian+Prospective
Pandey, A. (2013). Inside views: Development in Indian IP Law: The Copyright (Amendment) Act 2012. Intellectual Property Watch. Retrieved 15 Mar 2019, from http://www.ip-watch.org/2013/01/22/development-in-indian-ip-law-the-copyright-amendment-act-2012/
Pandey, A. (2017, August 17). Cyber security initiatives by the government of India. ipleaders. Retrieved 15 Mar 2019, from https://blog.ipleaders.in/cyber-security-initiatives/
Radhakrishnan, P. G. (2014, May 21). Executive magistrates: their functions and powers under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, and other laws: a brief outline. Slideshare. Retrieved 10 Dec 2018, from https://www.slideshare.net/appuanandu/powers-and-duties-of-executive-magistrates
Rathod, S. K. (2012, May 18). Fair use: comparing US and Indian copyright law. Jurist. Retrieved 15 Mar 2019, from https://www.jurist.org/commentary/2012/05/sandeep-kanak-rathod-copyright/
S. S. Rana & Co. Advocates. (2010–2017). Indian courts and jurisdiction. ssrana.in. Retrieved 2 Nov 2018, from https://www.ssrana.in/Intellectual%20Property/IP-Enforcement-And-Litigation/IP-Indian-Courts-Jurisdiction-in-India.aspx
S.S. Rana & Co. Advocates. (2018, September 19). India: Cyberinsurance in India. Mondaq Business Briefing. Retrieved 15 Jan 2019, from http://www.mondaq.com/india/x/737342/Insurance/Cyber+Insurance+In+India
Scaria, A. (2013). Online piracy of Indian movies: Is the film industry firing at the wrong target. Michigan State International Law Review, 21(3), 648–663.
Shah, G. (1999). History and organization of Indian police. New Delhi: Anmol.
Singh & Associates. (2012, November 29). India: Cyber squatting laws in India. mondaq. Retrieved 15 Jan 2019, from http://www.mondaq.com/india/x/208840/Trademark/CYBER+SQUATTI+NG+LAWS+IN+INDIA
Society of Indian Law Firms [SILF]. (2011). Indian judicial system. Retrieved 30 Nov 2018, from http://www.silf.org.in/16/indian-judicial-system.htm
Spangler, T. (2017, August 14). Police make arrests in “Game of Thrones” piracy case in India. variety.com. Retrieved 16 Mar 2019, from https://variety.com/2017/digital/news/game-of-thrones-leak-piracy-india-arrests-1202526854/
Statista. (2019). Number of internet users in India from 2015 to 2022 (in millions). Retrieved 15 Jan 2019, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/255146/number-of-internet-users-in-india/
Verma, A., & Subramanian, K. S. (2009). Understanding the police in India. New Delhi: LexisNexis India.
Wood, A. (2019, January 3). Indian police warn public against investing in cryptocurrency. Cointelegraph. Retrieved 16 Mar 2019, from https://cointelegraph.com/news/indian-police-warn-public-against-investing-in-cryptocurrencies
Yahoo!, Inc. v. Akash Arora and Another. (1999). I.A. No. 10115/1998 and Suit No. 2469/1998.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2020 The Author(s)
About this entry
Cite this entry
Kethineni, S. (2020). Cybercrime in India: Laws, Regulations, and Enforcement Mechanisms. In: Holt, T., Bossler, A. (eds) The Palgrave Handbook of International Cybercrime and Cyberdeviance. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-78440-3_7
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-78440-3_7
Published:
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-78439-7
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-78440-3
eBook Packages: Law and CriminologyReference Module Humanities and Social SciencesReference Module Business, Economics and Social Sciences