With the rapid growth of the digital economy, Cyber Law (also called Tech Law or IT Law) has become a crucial subject for CLAT, UPSC, and Judiciary aspirants. Whether it's data privacy, cybercrime, or digital governance, understanding key legal terms is essential for exams and real-world legal practice.

Here’s a list of 20 must-know Cyber Law terms to strengthen your legal knowledge:

1. Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act)

The primary law in India dealing with cybercrime, digital signatures, and electronic governance. Amended in 2008 to include data protection and cyber terrorism.

2. Cybercrime

Any criminal activity involving computers, networks, or digital devices (e.g., hacking, phishing, identity theft).

3. Data Protection & Privacy

Laws safeguarding personal data from misuse. The Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA), 2023 is India’s new data privacy law.

4. Digital Signature

An electronic signature with legal validity under the IT Act, 2000, used for secure online transactions.

5. Encryption

The process of encoding data to prevent unauthorized access. Regulated under Section 84A of the IT Act.

6. Section 66A (IT Act) – Struck Down

Previously penalized offensive online messages, but was struck down by SC in Shreya Singhal v. UoI (2015) for violating free speech.

7. Section 66C (IT Act) – Identity Theft

Punishes fraudulent use of another person’s digital identity (e.g., credit card fraud).

8. Section 66D (IT Act) – Cheating by Personation

Covers online impersonation scams (e.g., fake social media profiles).

9. Section 43A (IT Act) – Data Breach Compensation

Mandates companies to pay damages if negligent in protecting sensitive data.

10. Section 69A (IT Act) – Blocking of Websites

Allows the government to block websites in the interest of national security (e.g., TikTok ban).

11. Intermediary Liability (Section 79, IT Act)

Rules governing social media platforms, ISPs, and websites regarding content moderation.

12. Cyber Terrorism (Section 66F, IT Act)

Covers hacking, data theft, or cyberattacks intending to threaten national security.

13. Deepfake & AI-Generated Content

Synthetic media created using AI to manipulate images/videos. Emerging legal challenge under IT Rules, 2021.

14. GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)

The EU’s strict data privacy law, influencing India’s DPDPA, 2023.

15. Right to Be Forgotten

A legal principle allowing individuals to request removal of personal data from search engines/websites.

16. Dark Web

A hidden part of the internet used for illegal activities (drugs, hacking tools, cybercrime markets).

17. Phishing & Spoofing

• Phishing: Fraudulent attempts to steal sensitive data via fake emails/websites.

• Spoofing: Faking an identity (e.g., caller ID spoofing).

18. Cyber Defamation

Defamatory statements made online (social media, blogs), punishable under IPC Section 499 + IT Act.

19. CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team)

India’s national cybersecurity agency under MeitY, responsible for handling cyber threats.

20. Metaverse & Virtual Assets

Emerging legal issues around virtual property, NFTs, and crimes in digital worlds.

Why Are These Terms Important?

• CLAT: Cyber Law is part of Legal Aptitude & Current Affairs.

• UPSC (Law Optional): Relevant for Paper II (Contemporary Legal Issues).

• Judiciary Exams: Cybercrime cases frequently appear in MCQs and judgments.

Exam Preparation Tips

✔ Link terms with recent cases (e.g., Facebook-Cambridge Analytica for data privacy).

✔ Compare Indian laws with global standards (e.g., IT Act vs. GDPR).

✔ Follow updates from CERT-In & MeitY for latest cyber regulations.

By mastering these terms, you’ll be well-prepared for Cyber Law questions in competitive exams. Stay updated with new amendments like the DPDPA, 2023!

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