What do you understand by cyberstalking? What are the various other cyber offences recognised under…

Question

What do you understand by cyberstalking? What are the various other cyber offences recognised under Information Technology Act, 2000?

Ghissu Editorial · Accepted Answer

Cyberstalking is persistent monitoring or harassment of a person through email, social media or messaging, punishable under IPC Section 354D. Other IT Act offences include hacking (Sections 65-66), identity theft and impersonation (66C, 66D), privacy violation (66E), cyber terrorism (66F) and obscene material (67, 67A, 67B).

**Introduction**

India’s digital surge with 969 million internet users has escalated cybercrimes, necessitating strong laws like the Information Technology Act, 2000, to tackle offences including cyberstalking. The pandemic-driven shift to online platforms has further exposed vulnerabilities, especially among women and children, demanding robust legal and enforcement responses.

**Understanding Cyberstalking**

2. **Challenges and Gender Impact**: Women face disproportionate harm and underreporting due to fear and stigma; ==Andhra Pradesh== shows evolving awareness efforts by cyber cells to encourage reporting and support victims.

**Other Cyber Offences under IT Act, 2000**

1. **Identity Theft and Hacking**: Sections 65 and 66 penalize unauthorized access and identity fraud, vital after incidents like the suspected cyberattack linked to the October 2020 Mumbai power outage and threats in ==Visakhapatnam’s port-led industrial corridor==. These offences undermine trust in digital transactions and critical infrastructure.

2. **Obscene Material and Cyber Terrorism**: Sections 67 series address transmission of obscene content including revenge porn and deepfakes; Section 66F defines cyber terrorism, crucial for national security, especially in ==Andhra Pradesh== where critical infrastructure faces digital threats.

3. **Child Pornography and Cyberbullying**: The National Cyber Crime⟦1⟧ Reporting Portal⟦4⟧⟦3⟧⟦2⟧ recorded 2,188 child pornography cases in 2021; schemes like CCPWC and CyberDost Awareness Initiative promote prevention, victim support, and digital safety education.

**Way Forward**

2. **Awareness and Digital Literacy**: Expand campaigns via National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, Cyber Swachhta Kendra, and CyTrain Portal, focusing on vulnerable groups including women and children to foster safe online behavior.

**Conclusion**

Addressing cyberstalking and cyber offences requires legal reforms, capacity building, and widespread awareness to ensure safe digital spaces. Robust enforcement and inclusive digital literacy are key to protecting citizens in India’s growing cyberspace.

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