Cyber Crimes Against Women In India: An Analysis of Emerging Trends

Abstract

In a short time, information technology has evolved and now the internet has been widely adopted, changing how people communicate, conduct business, govern, and interact in society around the globe. Technological development has given rise to numerous opportunities but also to new and different types of criminal activity, which are grouped together under the term cyber crimes. With smartphones, social platforms, digital payments and online services becoming more pervasive in Indian society, the scope of cyber crimes is growing at a rapid pace. Women have become one of the most vulnerable groups in cyberspace, exposed to cyber stalking, cyber harassment, cyber bullying, identity theft, revenge pornography and the dissemination of intimate content without consent and the morphing of images, doxxing, impersonation and dissemination of content. These crimes offend not only privacy and dignity, but also have psychological, social and economic implications. This paper reviews cyber crime in India in an analytical way and highlights the emerging trend of cyber crimes against women in India. It examines the legal framework for cyber offences, judicial reactions to cyber offences, practical obstacles and problems in the implementation of the legal framework and existing laws and how effective they are. The study states that there is a strong legal framework and technology skills and also public awareness of the issue, but there is a need to have more effective mechanisms and gender sensitisation to provide better protection of women in cyberspace.

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