Deterrent punishment in cybercrime cases
The number of cybercrimes is rapidly increasing in the
current digital era. Hacking, online fraud, identity theft, cyberbullying,
virus distribution, and financial or personal data theft are examples of cybercrimes.
Computers, smartphones, or the internet are used to commit these crimes.
Criminals can more easily assault people online as more people use the
internet, which can cause anxiety, financial loss, and even psychological
suffering.
Legal penalty is essential to preventing cybercrimes.
The goal of deterrent punishment is to make people afraid to commit crimes by
imposing severe consequences. Similar to incidents of theft or murder, when
offenders receive jail time or a fine, others are deterred from doing similar
acts. Cybercrimes are subject to the same concept. If people know they can be jailed or fined
heavily for hacking or online fraud, they may avoid doing it.
In India, cybercrime is primarily covered by the
Indian Penal Code (now replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) and the
Information Technology Act, 2000 (modified in 2008). For instance, hacking is punishable by up to
three years in prison and/or a fine under Section 66 of the IT Act. Identity theft is punished under Sec 66C and
the online cheating is punished under Sec 66D.
People who are doing cybercrime they are warned about the rules and
regulation.
However, laws alone are not enough. Criminals may still take chances if they
believe they would not be caught.
Therefore, for deterrent punishment to be effective, a comprehensive
investigation and speedy trials are necessary. However, the fear of retribution
decreases if cybercriminals continue to escape punishment or if court
proceedings stretch on for years.
Prevention is equally important as punishment.
Governments and citizens must need to work together to avoid cybercrimes before
they occur. people should be tought how to stay safe online, create safe
passwords, avoid clicking on unknown links, and take care of their devices.
Like physical hygiene, cyber hygiene should be taught in schools, colleges, and
companies.
Forming Cyber Crime Cells is another good preventative
strategy. These are specialised police units with training in digital case
management. Anyone can report cybercrime using India's Cybercrime Portal, which
was launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs. At the level of the town, more
such teams and tools are required, particularly in small towns.
Technology helps in prevention as well Two factor
verification, firewalls, encrypted chat apps- like whatsapp, and antivirus
software all make it hard for hackers to access your data. Companies must also
tell users of data breaches and respond to data protection laws. Companies have
a responsibility to handle your data by laws like India's Digital Personal Data
Protection Act, 2023.
To stop cybercrime, deterrent punishment is necessary,
but it must be used in connection with prevention. Human values , responsible
technology use , public awareness , strict regulations , and strict enforcement
all play a part. We can make the internet a safer place for everyone if we mix
legal action with values and knowledge.
Furthermore, the government has launched awareness
campaigns to inform people in online safety and promote digital literacy, thus
to prevent cybercrime. Initiatives such as National Cyber Security
Awareness Month and Digital India campaign promote internet safety among them.
In the conclusion, Indian cybercrime affects money,
privacy, reputation and security. If India is to emerge as an imminent
digital giant, robust cybersecurity and effective legal protections are
equally critical.
