Behind The Screen: The Human Cost Of Cybercrime In India
- IJLLR Journal
- Sep 9
- 2 min read
Sukrati Sharma, B.A.LL.B. (Hons.), Asian Law College, Noida.
Yashasvi Panwar, B.A.LL.B. (Hons.), Asian Law College, Noida.
ABSTRACT
India has experienced a huge digital revolution, with increased technological proficiency and connection resulting in more digital accessibility and inclusivity for its population. While these improvements are cause for national pride, especially given India's achievements in the IT sector, the significant growth in cybercrime is a serious and growing worry. Any illegal behaviour that uses a computer as a tool, target, or means to perpetrate more violations is considered cybercrime, commonly referred to as "Internet crimes." Phishing, cyberstalking, ransomware, and financial fraud are all on the rise, resulting in not just economic losses but also serious psychological and emotional suffering for victims, particularly women.
With more than 700 million Indians using digital platforms, people and organizations are more vulnerable than ever. Women are disproportionately targeted in cyberstalking and harassment cases, with occurrences of revenge pornography and online abuse rising year after year. Scams are becoming more sophisticated, and they are affecting professionals, financial literacy, and teenagers equally. Despite existing legislation such as the IT Act of 2000, India lacks a strong personal data protection law, and many cybercrime cases go unsolved due to antiquated technology, insufficient coordination, and jurisdictional gaps.
This paper investigates the scope of cybercrimes affecting India, analyzes criminal motivations, emphasizes the disproportionate impact on women and vulnerable groups, and explores major legal cases. To protect India's digital society from the growing human and financial consequences of cybercrime, it also analyzes the reasons that contribute to its growth, reviews the legal and infrastructure solutions that are currently in place, and suggests multi- layered preventive and mitigation strategies. In support of this analysis, an original survey was undertaken to collect empirical data on the type, frequency, and effects of cybercrime, which increased the depth and usefulness of the research findings.
Keywords: Cybercrime, Fraud, Survey Research, Women, IT Act 2000, Digital Inclusion
