EFFECTIVENESS OF THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACT, 2000 IN ADDRESSING ONLINE SEXUAL HARASSMENT: A CRITICAL STUDY
AUTHOR – SAMYA SINGH* & DR. AISHWARYA SINGH**
* LAW COLLEGE DEHRADUN, UTTARANCHAL UNIVERSITY, DEHRADUN, UTTARAKHAND, INDIA
** PROFESSOR, LAW COLLEGE DEHRADUN, UTTARANCHAL UNIVERSITY, DEHRADUN, UTTARAKHAND, INDIA
BEST CITATION – SAMYA SINGH & DR. AISHWARYA SINGH, EFFECTIVENESS OF THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACT, 2000 IN ADDRESSING ONLINE SEXUAL HARASSMENT: A CRITICAL STUDY, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (9) OF 2026, PG. 162-167, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.
Abstract
The rapid expansion of digital communication platforms has led to a parallel rise in online sexual harassment, posing serious challenges to individual dignity, privacy, and safety. In India, the Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act) serves as the primary legislation governing cyber activities. However, its effectiveness in addressing online sexual harassment remains debatable. This paper critically examines the adequacy of the IT Act in dealing with various forms of cyber sexual harassment, including cyberstalking, trolling, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, and online abuse. It explores the interplay between the IT Act and provisions of the Indian Penal Code, evaluates judicial responses, and highlights enforcement challenges. The study further identifies legislative gaps, particularly in addressing emerging technologies and gender-specific harms. By analysing legal, institutional, and societal limitations, the paper argues for a more comprehensive and victim-centric legal framework to effectively combat online sexual harassment in India.