P.Lavanya, B.A., B.L.(Hons), LLM., Ph.D., Advocate, Madras High Court
ABSTRACT
In this digital age, Information and Communication Technology is benefiting billions across the world by bridging certain gaps and multiplying human potential in every walk of life. With the advancement of ICT, the crime using internet has also widened its roots in all directions. The cyber-crimes pose a great threat to individuals. Cyber crimes against women are on the raise and women have been drastically victimized in the cyberspace. Socialization through Social Networking Websites has become a favorite hobby for self supporting, educated, independent, modern women of the 21st Century. Even though social networking websites have opened a wide window for socializing, they have also opened flood gate for various 4 crimes against women in the cyber space. This paper examines the victimization of women in the in cyber space and ascertains the reasons for the growth of such victimization. While women benefit from using new digital and Internet technologies for self-expression, networking, and professional activities, cyber victimization remains an underexplored barrier to their participation. Women often outnumber men in surveys on cyber victimization.
Cyber crime has emerged as a major challenge for the law enforcement agencies of different countries to protect women and children who are harassed and abused for voyeuristic pleasures. Women are commonly targeted for cyber stalking, cyber pornography, impersonation etc. India is one of the few countries which has enacted the IT Act 2000 to deal with issues pertaining to cyber crimes in order to protect the women from exploitation by vicious predators however this act doesn’t address some of the gravest dangers to the security of the women and issues involving women are still growing immensely. The impacts of a single, successful cyber attack can have far-reaching implications including financial losses, theft of intellectual property, and loss of consumer confidence and trust. If the same cyber attacks in the form of crimes against women will be a great threat to women community.
