Abstract

Cybercrime has emerged as a pervasive threat in India, disproportionately affecting women and children who are especially vulnerable in the digital environment. This paper examines India’s legal framework addressing cyber offences against these groups, focusing on key provisions under the Information Technology Act, 2000, the Indian Penal Code, and recent legislative and policy initiatives aimed at enhancing online safety. While significant progress has been made such as strengthened penalties for cyber harassment, child sexual abuse material (CSAM), and online stalking gaps persist in enforcement, technological capacity, and victim support mechanisms. Challenges including underreporting, investigative delays, jurisdictional complexities, and inadequate digital literacy continue to hinder effective implementation of existing laws. The analysis underscores the need for a more holistic approach that integrates legal reform, technological innovation, awareness programmes, and institutional capacity-building to ensure meaningful protection for women and
children in India’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.