NAVIGATING DIGITAL LEGISLATION: A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF INDIA'S IT ACT AND EMERGING CYBER SECURITY CHALLENGES

Abstract

This paper explores the transformative impact of information technology (IT) on various sectors in India, highlighting the development, implementation, and maintenance of computer hardware and software systems for electronic organization and communication of information. The advent of a robust digital infrastructure and the expanded access facilitated by the Digital India Program has poised India for significant economic growth and citizen empowerment through diverse digital applications.The paper examines the profound influence of IT on the economy, with digital advancements projected to support millions of digitally-enabled jobs by 2025-26. India's IT landscape is framed within the broader legislative context, detailing amendments to the Information Technology Act, 2000, and its 2008 amendment, which introduced critical provisions for cybersecurity, data protection, and electronic transactions. The integration of IT with other laws, including the Indian Penal Code and the Indian Evidence Act, highlights the comprehensive legal framework developed to address the challenges and opportunities of the digital age. The paper also explores the role of intellectual property law in protecting digital innovations and the impact of landmark case laws on domain names and cyber-squatting. Finally, the necessity of a robust data protection framework, as emphasized by the Supreme Court's recognition of privacy as a fundamental right in the Puttaswamy case, is discussed, along with the proposed Personal Data Protection Bill.