Salient Features of the IT Act, 2000

1. Legal Recognition of Electronic Records and Digital Signatures

• E-documents and digital signatures have the same legal status as physical records and handwritten signatures.
• Enables electronic contracts and e-commerce transactions.

2. Electronic Governance

• Encourages government agencies to accept digital records and digitally signed documents.
• Promotes efficiency and transparency in public administration.

3. Regulation of Certifying Authorities

• Establishes a framework for issuing and verifying digital signature certificates.
• Certifying Authorities (CAs) are licensed to issue and validate digital signatures.

4. Cybercrime and Penalties

• The Act defines various cyber offenses and prescribes penalties for violations.
• Examples:
  • Hacking: Punishable with imprisonment up to 3 years and/or a fine of ₹5 lakhs.
  • Identity Theft: Up to 3 years in jail and/or a fine of ₹1 lakh.
  • Publishing obscene material: Up to 5 years in jail and/or a fine of ₹10 lakhs.

5. Liabilities of Intermediaries

• Platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Google are not liable for user-generated content unless they fail to act on complaints.
• Requires intermediaries to comply with government orders for content removal.

6. Provisions for Data Protection

• Companies must implement security measures to protect sensitive personal data.
• Unauthorized access, data leaks, and financial frauds are punishable offenses.

7. Cyber Appellate Tribunal

• A special tribunal was created to handle disputes related to cyber law.
• Deals with cases involving cybercrime and electronic commerce disputes.

8. Amendments and IT Rules

• The IT (Amendment) Act, 2008 added provisions for data privacy and cyber terrorism.
• Introduced Section 66A (later struck down), which criminalized offensive online messages.

Cybercrimes and Their Penalties Under the IT Act