Cyber law to enter textbooks soon?

Keeping in account the importance of the cyber world in practical life today, the state government is considering instructing students of academic, police and judicial studies in cyber law, so they are aware of the pitfalls of using the internet and are safe from online security breaches. The higher education department will soon hold a meeting with cyber law experts, lawyers and educationists to discuss the inclusion of Cyber Law in the course curriculum.u00a0

A letter has been sent by cyber law expert Bina Tendulkar and former dean for law at Mumbai University Dr Vijay Chitnis to explore the subject's scope in the context of education. Cyber law has become an important aspect of study in the country after the IT Act, 2000. After an increasing instance of cyber crimes, some colleges have begun offering a separate diploma in the subject.

Said Tendulkar, "We have given a letter to the higher education department, asking it to include cyber law in the fields of academics, judicial studies and in the police department. A committee needs to be formed to discuss the issue. We will hold a meeting on February 15 with experts, lawyers and other authorities in the subject, and are expecting a positive response."

Anila Pillai, vice principal of HR College, which offers a 10-day course in cyber crime management, said, "It is very important to learn cyber law because of the high usage of the Internet. Computer security is crucial as cases of online banking fraud and theft are on the rise in the country. It will be a good move if the government thinks of expanding the scope of this subject."

An official from the higher education department said on the condition of anonymity, "We have received a letter from cyber law expert Bina Tendulkar, elaborating on the need to expand the subject of cyber law. A meeting has been scheduled for the same in the coming days."

The Information Technology Act, 2000 addresses the following issues:

>>u00a0Legal Recognition of Electronic Documents

>>u00a0Legal Recognition of Digital Signatures

>>u00a0Offenses and Contraventions

>>u00a0Justice Dispensation Systems for Cyber crimes

ITAA, 2008 (Information Technology Amendment Act, 2008) has provided additional focus on information security. It has added several new sections on offences including cyber terrorism and data protection.