Basics of Information Technology Act, 2000

The Information Technology Act, 2000 was enacted to provide a legal framework for the electronic governance, digital signatures, cybersecurity, and online transactions in India. The IT Act aims to facilitate e-commerce, secure digital communication, and cybercrime prevention. This course offers an introduction to the basic provisions of the IT Act 2000, cyber law enforcement, data protection laws, and the regulation of digital platforms in India.

• To introduce the Information Technology Act, 2000 and its role in regulating the digital landscape in India.
• To provide a clear understanding of cybercrimes, cybersecurity, and e-commerce regulations.
• To explain the provisions related to electronic contracts, digital signatures, and data protection under the IT Act.
• To discuss the legal responsibilities of entities and individuals under the IT Act.

• Understand the scope and application of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
• Learn about the provisions for cybercrimes and the penalties for violating the IT Act.
• Gain insights into the framework for electronic contracts and digital signatures.
• Explore the legal framework for data protection and cybersecurity regulations.
• Identify key provisions for e-commerce businesses and their compliance requirements.

Module 1: Introduction to the IT Act, 2000

• Overview of the Information Technology Act, 2000 and its objectives.
• Evolution of cyber laws and the need for the IT Act in India.
• The role of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in implementing the Act.

Module 2: Electronic Governance and Digital Signatures

• Electronic Governance under the IT Act: Digital signatures and electronic records.
• Digital signatures: Legal recognition and requirements for their use.
• The Electronic Signature ecosystem: Secure Key Infrastructure and Electronic Certificates.
• Electronic Contracts and their legal validity.

Module 3: Cybercrime and Penalties under the IT Act

• Understanding cybercrimes: Definition, types of offenses, and punishments under the IT Act.
• Cybercrimes: Hacking, data theft, cyberstalking, and cyber terrorism.
• Penalties and adjudication procedures under the IT Act.
• The role of Cyber Appellate Tribunal (CAT) and the Cybercrime Investigation Cell in enforcement.

Module 4: Data Protection and Privacy Regulations

• Overview of data protection under the IT Act and privacy concerns in digital transactions.
• The concept of sensitive personal data and the regulations surrounding its collection, storage, and processing.
• Data security practices: Encryption, access control, and compliance standards.
• The Personal Data Protection Bill (PDPB) and its alignment with the IT Act.

Module 5: E-Commerce Regulations and Compliance

• E-commerce laws under the IT Act: Online transactions, electronic contracts, and consumer protection.
• Cybersecurity requirements for e-commerce websites and platforms.
• The role of the Indian government in regulating online businesses and the Digital India initiative.
• Regulations on online fraud, intellectual property protection, and taxation of e-commerce transactions.

Module 6: Cybersecurity Framework and Compliance

• Overview of cybersecurity laws in India and their connection to the IT Act.
• Regulatory requirements for maintaining secure systems in businesses and government organizations.
• The importance of information security management systems (ISMS) and ISO 27001 standards.
• Best practices for ensuring data security, managing risks, and protecting against cyber threats.

Module 7: Case Studies & Real-World Applications

• Case studies on the enforcement of the IT Act and notable cybercrime incidents.
• Lessons learned from compliance failures and successful mitigation of cyber risks.
• Practical examples of businesses adhering to the IT Act, including e-commerce platforms and financial institutions.

• Corporate legal officers, IT professionals, and compliance managers.
• E-commerce business owners and digital platform managers.
• Cybersecurity experts, digital privacy officers, and IT auditors.
• Law students and legal professionals specializing in cyber law and information technology.
• Government officials involved in digital governance and IT policy-making.