CYBER CRIME AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACT 2000

Cybercrimes in India are governed by the Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act), along with relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860. Let’s explore some of the key sections applicable to various cyber offenses:

1. Tampering with Computer Source Documents (Section 65):
   • If a person knowingly or intentionally conceals, destroys, alters, or causes another to do so with any computer source code used for a computer, computer program, system, or network (when such code is required to be maintained by law), they can face imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to ₹200,000¹.
2. Hacking with Computer System (Section 66):
   • If someone intentionally destroys, deletes, alters, or affects information residing in a computer resource, causing wrongful loss or damage to the public or any person, they commit hacking. The penalty includes imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to ₹500,000¹.
3. Receiving Stolen Computer or Communication Device (Section 66B):
   • Holding or retaining a computer resource or communication device known to be stolen or believed to be stolen can lead to imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to ₹100,000¹.
4. Using Password of Another Person (Section 66C):
   • Fraudulently using someone else’s password, digital signature, or unique identification is punishable by imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to ₹100,000¹.
5. Cheating Using Computer Resource (Section 66D):
   • If a person deceives someone using a computer resource or communication, they may face imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to ₹100,000¹.
6. Publishing Private Images of Others (Section 66E):
   • Capturing, transmitting, or publishing images of a person’s private parts without their consent or knowledge can result in imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to ₹200,000¹.
7. Acts of Cyberterrorism (Section 66F):
   • Denying authorized personnel access to a computer resource, accessing a protected system, or introducing contaminants with the intent to threaten India’s unity, integrity, sovereignty, or security constitutes cyberterrorism. The penalty includes imprisonment up to life¹.
8. Publishing Obscene Information in Electronic Form (Section 67):
   • If someone publishes or transmits lascivious material or content that tends to deprave and corrupt persons likely to read, see, or hear it, they can be penalized¹.