सूचना प्रौद्योगिकी अधिनियम, 2000
Cyber offences, intermediary liability, government surveillance powers, digital signatures, and deepfake regulation under IT Act 2000 (amended 2008, rules 2021 & 2023).
Sec. 66: Computer-related offences (hacking) — 3 years + ₹5 lakh fine. Sec. 66C: Identity theft — 3 years + ₹1 lakh fine. Sec. 66D: Cheating by personation using computer — 3 years + ₹1 lakh. Sec. 66E: Privacy violation (publishing private images) — 3 years + ₹2 lakh. Sec. 66F: Cyber terrorism — life imprisonment. Sec. 67: Publishing obscene material — 3-5 years. Note: Sec. 66A (offensive messages) was struck down by Supreme Court in Shreya Singhal v. UOI (2015).
Safe harbour for intermediaries (social media, ISPs) — not liable for third-party content if they: don't initiate transmission, don't select receiver or modify information, and observe due diligence under IT Rules 2021. Must appoint Grievance Officer, Chief Compliance Officer, and Nodal Contact Person. Must remove unlawful content within 36 hours of court/government order. IT Rules 2023 amendment: must ensure no deepfake or misinformation content.
IT Rules 2023 amendment specifically targets deepfakes. Platforms must: identify and label AI-generated content, remove deepfakes within 36 hours of complaint, ensure no content depicting any person in false manner using AI. Government can direct platforms to remove deepfake content. Our PIL practice includes advocacy for comprehensive deepfake regulation and digital media journalist protection.
This guide is for educational purposes. For advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified advocate.
22+ years of practice before Punjab & Haryana High Court.