Overview On Digital Crimes Against Women: Historical Evolution, Global Perspectives, And Legal Frameworks

Overview on Digital Crimes Against Women: Historical Evolution, Global Perspectives, and Legal Frameworks

The Role of the Internet and Rise of Digital Crime The Internet has become a part of daily life, with increasing use in communication, banking, and shopping. However, its widespread use has also led to the rise of digital crimes, especially due to increased reliance on computers. Fraudsters exploit technology for malicious purposes, making digital crime a growing global threat.

History and Evolution of Digital Crimes Global Perspective:

1980s: Rise of email led to malware and scams.
1990s: Unsafe browsers spread viruses via flawed websites.
2000s: Social media expansion led to ID theft and data breaches.
Present: A global cybercrime industry worth nearly half a trillion dollars, with criminals targeting anyone online.

Key Milestones:

Year	Type of Digital Attack
1997	Viruses, Morris Worm
2004	Malware, Trojans
2007	Phishing, Identity Theft
2010	Botnets, SQL Attacks
2013	Ransomware, DOS Attacks
Now	Bitcoin hacks, Digital warfare, Android hacking

Digital Crime Against Women in India Historically revered in Indian society, women today face rising digital threats like:
- Email harassment
- Cyberstalking
- Morphing
- Email spoofing
- Cyber pornography
- Sexual blackmail and defamation
Legal Framework:
- Before 2000: IPC 1860 handled digital crimes but lacked scope.
- IT Act, 2000: Introduced for cybercrimes but still lacks specific protection for women.
- IT (Amendment) Act, 2008: Added more cyber offenses.
- Need for Reforms: Both IT Act and IPC are inadequate in addressing gender-based digital crimes.
Notable Cases:
- Ritu Kohli Case (2001): First reported cyberstalking case.
- Suhas Katti Case: Set a precedent with a conviction in just 7 months for online harassment.

International Concern and Action Conventions and Laws:
- Budapest Convention: First international treaty on cybercrime.
- UK's Protection from Harassment Act, 1997: Covers online stalking.
- Computer Misuse Act, 1990: Penalizes unauthorized access and damage.
- CEDAW 2017: Recognized technology-mediated violence.
- Istanbul Convention: Included online violence as part of gender-based violence.
Organizations Involved: Interpol, UN, APEC, Council of Europe. Despite efforts, no universal legal standard exists yet to govern digital violence against women globally.

Definition of Digital Crime As defined by the UN and OECD:
- Narrow sense: Crimes targeting computer systems/data (e.g., hacking, data theft).
- Broad sense: Crimes using computers/networks (e.g., cyber fraud, digital harassment).