What Laws in India Address Online Harassment and Account Hacking?

General

India has several laws addressing online harassment and hacking of personal accounts. Key legal provisions include:

1. Information Technology Act, 2000

This act provides legal recognition for electronic transactions and addresses cybercrimes. Sections relevant to online harassment include:

Section 66: Punishment for hacking computer systems, which includes unauthorized access and damage to data.
Section 66E: Violation of privacy, including the capture, publication, or transmission of images of a private area of any person without consent.
Section 67: Punishment for publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form.

2. Indian Penal Code (IPC)

Various sections of the IPC can be applied to online harassment:

Section 354A: Sexual harassment, which covers unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors.
Section 499: Defamation, applicable if false statements are made online about an individual.
Section 503: Criminal intimidation, which can be invoked if threats are made online.

3. The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012

This act provides stringent measures against sexual offenses against minors, including online harassment and exploitation.

4. The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013

While primarily focused on workplace harassment, it includes provisions addressing harassment that can occur through digital means.

5. The Right to Information Act, 2005

Although not directly related to online harassment, this act provides citizens with a mechanism to request information from public authorities, which can be useful in addressing grievances related to cybercrimes.

Individuals facing online harassment can file complaints with the police, and in severe cases, seek legal remedies through civil suits. It is essential to document evidence of the harassment for effective action.