Analyzing The Effectiveness Of Laws Addressing Cybercrime In India: The Regulations On Hacking
- IJLLR Journal
- Apr 30
- 1 min read
Jyoti Pathak, Amity Law School, Amity University Noida, Uttar Pradesh
Legal Framework on Cybercrime and Hacking in India
1.1 Overview of the Information Technology Act, 2000
The Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act) is the cornerstone legislation governing cyber activities in India. Enacted to provide legal recognition to electronic transactions and to facilitate e-commerce and e-governance, the IT Act has evolved into India’s primary legal instrument for regulating cybercrime, including hacking and other malicious online activities. As technology has progressed, the Act has undergone key amendments to address emerging cyber threats, notably through the Information Technology (Amendment) Act, 2008.
1.1.1 Historical Background and Need for the Act
The need for comprehensive cyber legislation in India emerged in the late 1990s as the internet began to expand rapidly, creating new forms of communication, commerce, and, consequently, crime. Before 2000, India did not have any dedicated laws to recognize electronic records, digital signatures, or offences committed in cyberspace. The UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Commerce (1996) provided the framework that India adopted while drafting its IT Act. The legislation aimed to fill the legal vacuum concerning issues like electronics authentication, cyber fraud and digital evidences.
