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Emerging Legal Issues in the Digital Age
The National Cybercrime Reporting Portal, managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, received more than 740,000 complaints between January and April 2024. During the same time, Indian citizens experienced a loss of over Rs. 1,750 crores.
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre stated that in May 2024, an average of 7,000 cybercrime complaints were recorded daily, marking a significant surge of 113.7 percent compared to the period between 2021 and 2023 and a 60.9 percent increase from 2022 to 2023, according to a report in the Economic Times.
Rising cybercrimes are emerging legal issues in the digital age. Every student pursuing a Bachelor of Law LLB must know these challenges in detail to become a future-ready law professional and shine in this virtual arena. Manipal University Jaipur is your perfect platform to learn what's happening in the law universe with technical skills and sufficient practical experience, including moot courts, legal aid clinics, internships and more.
Legal Challenges in the Digital Age: An Indian Context
The digital landscape in India is booming and playing a central role in our lives. We spend significant time on social media, e-commerce and the web. However, this rapid growth throws up many new legal challenges that our existing frameworks need help addressing. Let us delve into some of the most pressing legal issues India faces in the digital age:
1) Data Protection and Privacy
Data protection and privacy are ethical responsibilities and vital competencies for any organisation. The Bachelor of Law LLB at MUJ covers essential components of data protection and privacy, including contractual obligations, consumer privacy agreements, stipulations from diverse sources, and laws and regulations regarding data privacy.
The Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP Act, 2023) was introduced recently to mark a significant step towards a holistic data protection regime. However, questions remain regarding its implementation. The act exempts agencies from some provisions, raising concerns about the balance between individual privacy and national security. It also mandates storing specific categories of data within India, potentially impacting cross-border data flows and innovation.
2) Artificial Intelligence and Algorithmic Bias
AI is affecting and transforming diverse sectors, but ethical concerns abound. Algorithmic bias can lead to discrimination in areas like job applications or loan approvals. India lacks a legal framework to address the following issues.
- Regulations for AI systems to be transparent and explainable are needed, allowing individuals to understand how decisions impact them.
- Assigning responsibility becomes crucial, especially when dealing with autonomous AI
3) Cybercrime and Cybersecurity
Cybercrimes are on the rise, and cybercriminals are under legal jurisdiction. The Information Technology Act (IT Act) of 2000 and the Criminal Procedure Code of 1973 establish jurisdiction for cybercrimes. The IT Act gives Indian authorities jurisdiction over cybercrimes within the country and applies to offences committed outside of India by any person. The act also penalises cybercrime and provides strict punishment.
Manipal University Jaipur, one of the NAAC-accredited universities of Rajasthan, regularly organises various seminars, events, and guest lectures to provide the latest updates on the challenges in the digital age, laws and related aspects. Learn from the best and rule bar to boardroom with the latest law skills.
India requires stricter and more comprehensive cybersecurity regulations to safeguard individuals, government organisations, and businesses. Cybercrimes transcend borders, and therefore, effective international cooperation is also required to investigate and prosecute cybercriminals.
4) Social Media Regulation
Crores of people in India and over half of the entire global population are on social media. News, views, perceptions, likes, shares, comments, and social interactions have great impact on national and international politics, economy, society, and more. Therefore, a proper legal framework is required to regulate these social channels, and social media platforms need to act responsibly.
Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021: The Rules (2021) mandate social channels to exercise greater diligence in content moderation, ensuring a safe online space by promptly removing inappropriate content. This law is essential for checking hate speech, online harassment, and misinformation on social media and keeping it an authentic and safe mode of communication.
Law professionals with a Bachelor of Law LLB from MUJ can address challenges, including content regulation and intermediary liability, to keep social media safe and reliable.
5) E-commerce and Consumer Protection
Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, Swiggy, Zepto, Blinkit, Zomato, Big Basket, and other e-commerce and q-commerce apps have become part of our daily lives. They have revolutionised how we shop, eat, and order groceries. The challenge here is to ensure the protection of consumer rights. Also, there have been discussions about the rights of delivery executives, the rationality behind 10-minute delivery, the safety of delivery partners, and more.
It requires legal intervention and laws to safeguard consumer rights and delivery executives' rights. Law professionals with a law program from Manipal University Jaipur learn concepts covering product liability, data security in e-commerce transactions and more.
The Road Ahead for Bachelor of Law LLB Graduates in the Digital Age
Union and Central Governments, local administrative bodies, and law graduates from the best universities of Rajasthan and pan India can play a crucial role in addressing the challenges of the digital age through the following means;
- Regularly updating laws to adapt to evolving technology is vital
- Educate citizens of India about various cyber frauds, roles and responsibilities in the virtual era
- Equip law enforcement and the judiciary with the expertise to handle complex digital crimes is crucial
Manipal University Jaipur offers legal education through specialised programs, including BA LLB(Hons.), BBA LLB (Hons.), Bachelor of Law LLB, Master of Law (LLM), Five-year Integrated BA LLB (Hons.), and PhD programs. As one of the best universities in Rajasthan and an institute with many awards and recognitions, MUJ is dedicated to providing students with a world-class education in the field of law. Explore the programs and apply now.
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