Complete Guide to IT Act Sections, IPC Sections, Punishments & Reporting Process
Cyber crime refers to illegal activities committed using computers, mobile devices, or the internet such as hacking, phishing, online fraud, identity theft, harassment, and cyber terrorism. In India, cyber crimes are mainly governed by the Information Technology Act, 2000 along with the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
| Section | Offence | Description | Punishment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 43 | Unauthorized Access | Data theft, virus, system damage | Compensation up to ₹1 crore |
| 66 | Hacking | Illegal system access | 3 years + ₹5 lakh fine |
| 66B | Receiving Stolen Data | Using stolen computer resources | 3 years + ₹1 lakh fine |
| 66C | Identity Theft | Password/Digital signature misuse | 3 years + ₹1 lakh fine |
| 66D | Online Cheating | Phishing/Fraud | 3 years + ₹1 lakh fine |
| 66E | Privacy Violation | Private photos/videos without consent | 3 years + ₹2 lakh fine |
| 67 | Obscene Content | Publishing obscene material | 3–5 years + fine |
| 67A | Sexual Content | Sexually explicit material | 5–7 years + fine |
| 67B | Child Pornography | Child sexual abuse content | 5–7 years + fine |
| 66F | Cyber Terrorism | Threat to national security | Life imprisonment |
| IPC Section | Offence | Punishment |
|---|---|---|
| 420 | Online cheating & fraud | Up to 7 years + fine |
| 463/465 | Forgery / Fake documents | Up to 2–7 years |
| 379 | Theft (data/device) | Up to 3 years |
| 354D | Cyber stalking | 3–5 years |
| 499/500 | Online defamation | 2 years + fine |
| 509 | Insult/modesty harassment | 3 years + fine |
Call Helpline: Dial 1930 immediately for financial frauds.
Online Portal: Report at the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
Visit Police Station: File FIR at nearest Cyber Crime Police Station.
Submit Evidence: Screenshots, bank details, chat logs, transaction ID.