Why in News?
The Information & Broadcasting Ministry blocked 25 OTT platforms for streaming obscene or pornographic content, citing violations under the IT Act, 2000 and IT Rules, 2021, following consultation with multiple ministries and child protection agencies.
Description:
The Information Technology Act (IT Act), 2000 is India’s primary cyber law.
Objective:
To provide legal recognition to electronic transactions, prevent cybercrimes, and promote e-governance.
Key Features:
| Provision | Description |
| Legal Recognition of E-Records | Electronic documents and digital signatures are legally valid like paper-based ones. |
| Digital Signatures | Recognized to authenticate electronic documents. |
| E-Governance | Enables online filing of forms, e-bills, and e-contracts with government authorities. |
| Cybercrime Penalization | Offenses like hacking, identity theft, data theft, cyber terrorism, and pornography are punishable. |
| Intermediary Liability (Section 79) | Provides safe harbour to platforms like social media, if due diligence is followed. |
| Certifying Authorities (CCA) | Controller of Certifying Authorities established to issue digital signature certificates. |
| Appellate Tribunal | For resolving disputes related to electronic records and digital signatures. |
| Section 69A | The government can block websites in the interest of sovereignty, security, or public order. |
| Section 66A (Struck Down) | Penalized offensive messages via communication services. Struck down by SC in Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015). |
Important Amendments:
IT Act (Amendment), 2008:
- Introduced Section 66F (Cyber Terrorism).
- Recognized privacy violations, data theft, and phishing as offenses.
- Strengthened provisions on intermediary guidelines and data protection.
IT Rules, 2021 & 2023:
- Enhanced compliance for intermediaries, OTT platforms, and digital news media.
- Mandatory grievance redressal officers and content takedown timelines.
- Empowered fact-check units (2023) to regulate fake news related to the government.
Major Cyber Offenses under the IT Act:
| Section | Offense |
| 43 | Unauthorized access to computers, data theft |
| 66 | Hacking |
| 66C | Identity theft |
| 66D | Cheating by impersonation (e.g., phishing) |
| 66E | Violation of privacy |
| 67 | Publishing obscene material in electronic form |
| 69 | Interception of communication |
| 69A | Power to block public access to any information online |
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