Description

Laws, Justice and Rights for Women in the Modern Era
Editor: Prof. Dr. Yogesh Kumar Gupta, Ishan Ahmad and Premananda Murmu
Published by Universal Academic Books Publishers and Distributors,
New Delhi (India)
ISBN: 978-81-686113-5-1, 2026

Chapter 32

Women’s Safety in Digital India: A Socio-Legal Perspective on Cybercrime, Digital Media Discourse and Gender Bias

Garima Sharma
Assistant Professor, CGC University, Mohali (Punjab)
Research Scholar, Amity Law School, Amity University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
Orcid id – https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2788-5182

Dr. Sanjum Bedi
Associate Professor, Amity University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

Abstract

Cyber threats have increased along with technological improvements and the growth of digital media platforms. Cybercrime occurrences are increasing daily, especially when it comes to women’s safety in India. Thus, in the modern era of “Digital India,” this study looks at the cybercrimes, media narratives, discourse and attitudes that women face. In terms of the legal framework, these concerns are addressed by provisions in the IT Act and the BNS. Nevertheless, the crucial question still stands: are the existing measures really efficient in guaranteeing women’s online safety? The wide range of cybercrime in India, the current legal system, different types of cybercrimes, important case studies, analytical ambiguities and possible corrective actions are all examined in this study. This study paper explores all these aspects by illuminating the wide range of cybercrime in the nation; additionally, it suggests particular regulatory changes and improved cybersecurity measures to counteract cybercrimes against women in India. Although there are laws that address cybercrimes against women, there are still important challenges with their effective enforcement and public awareness. It also looks at whether “gender bias” has an impact on the reporting and investigation of cybercrimes, since factors like “gender bias” and media narratives are crucial in forming societal attitudes toward women and frequently result in the normalization of incidents involving harassment and abuse. In order to guarantee women’s safety and security in “Digital India,” strong cyber laws.

Keywords

Cyber Crimes, Digital Media Discourse, Gender Bias, Digital India and Women’s Safety.

1. INTRODUCTION

Due to its rapid expansion and the dependence of internet users, cyberspace has become a highly dangerous area for women’s safety. Cybercrime is the misuse of the Internet, computer resources and information technology that poses a financial, psychological, emotional or bodily risk.

The intricacies of Indian cyberspace and its legal implications are discussed in this essay. Cybercrimes include data theft, disclosure, unauthorized access, usage, interruption, modification and any other criminal activity that targets any computer resources. The Information Technology Act of 2000 punishes cybercrime and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita of 2023 has certain legal ramifications.