The scope of technology is multiplying day by day. People are coming up with new ways to use technology to benefit them and simplify their lives every day. E-payment, e-shopping, e-courts, e-filings, e-classrooms, virtual offices, blockchain, cloud computing, and many other new innovations are being created by technology.
More developments give rise to more scope and newer ways of committing crimes. Such crimes have to be bought under legal regulations and punishments for crimes have to be established. This necessitates a thorough comprehension of technology as well as the ability to anticipate all potential methods of crime. It is important to note that all of these recent technological advancements are not well regulated in India or anywhere else in the world. Not much has been achieved so far to bring all these aspects and developments in technology under the legal purview. This is not good since it gives ample space to the criminals to commit crimes and get away with it or with being sentenced to a frivolous punishment. This encourages more and more and more technology-related crimes. Cybercrime and the laws that govern it are referred to as Cyber laws. These crimes are committed through the medium of technology. In India, the meaning of the term ‘Cybercrime’ is not defined in the Information Technology Act, 2000. It is not specified in any Indian legislation. The Information Technology Act, 2000 (henceforth referred to as IT Act) is the only law that majorly deals with technology and its related issues. There are other laws like the Indian Penal Code, 1860, The Indian Evidence, 1872, The Bankers’ Books Evidence Act, 1891, Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 e-records maintenance policy by banks. These legislations do not deal with technology-related laws in a wholesome manner, rather they touch upon some important aspects that are covered under the subject matter of the legislation.