Abstract :
Recently, the rise of the internet has led to the upsurge in new forms of harassment and stalking, known as online harassment and cyberstalking. These forms of harassment can take many distinct forms, from sending threatening messages or spreading false rumours to tracking a victim’s movements online or in real life. India has not only bagged one of the peak ranks for having the highest number of internet users, but we also ace the records of global sexual harassment. The harassment faced by women online reflects the image of harassment faced by them in real world. What is more striking is that instances of cyberstalking against men are on a surge. Experts have asserted that the ratio is 50:50 vis-à-vis the cases of cyberstalking faced by men and women. In response to the growing threat of cyber-crimes, governments around the world have enacted laws and regulations aimed at protecting individuals from online harassment and cyberstalking, and imposing criminal liability on perpetrators. This article explores the issue of criminal liability for online harassment and cyberstalking, examining the nature and prevalence of these crimes, the legal frameworks governing them, and the challenges of prosecuting and punishing offenders. Ultimately, it argues that a greater awareness of the harms of online harassment and cyberstalking, as well as stronger laws and enforcement mechanisms, are needed to protect individuals from these insidious forms of digital abuse.
Keyword :
Harassment, Cyber, Punishing, Protection