EDUCATION (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -Section 67, IT Act, 2000: It punishes sharing obscene material in electronic form. The punishment can be jail for five years and a fine of Rs 10 lakhs. Section 67A, IT Act, 2000: It punishes sharing material containing sexually explicit act in electronic form with jail for seven years and a fine of Rs 10 lakhs.

Detailed explanation-2: -The most important tools to curtail it are sections 67 and 67A of the IT Act, prohibiting obscene and sexually explicit material respectively. The fact that our lawmakers felt two provisions are required to deal with such material is interesting. Where the offline world is concerned, the law only prohibits obscenity.

Detailed explanation-3: -67. Punishment for publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form. 67A. Punishment for publishing or transmitting of material containing sexually explicit act, etc., in electronic form.

Detailed explanation-4: -The section is gender-neutral recognising that online harassment can victimise any gender. Nonetheless, Section 67 is the primary provision that is applied in maximum cases of cyber crimes against women along with Section 66 E which penalises violation of privacy.

Detailed explanation-5: -(1) The Controller may, by order, direct a Certifying Authority or any employee of such Authority to take such measures or cease carrying on such activities as specified in the order if those are necessary to ensure compliance with the provisions of this Act, rules or any regulations made thereunder.