How Cyber Crime Bill will Protect Women?

A progressive social legislation like Cyber-Crime Bill will make our society enlightened and liable to enforce laws to make internet safer for women Being safe is less about using specific security tools and more about altering behavior

After the launch of 3G/4G services in 2014, internet penetration in Pakistan has increased. Broadband users in Pakistan have amplified to a large extent, which include women as well. Women are now more aware and educated. They have started making their way in many fields and have also become major users of the internet.

As we all know that the Pakistani society is male dominated and deplorable situation of women’s rights in Pakistan is no secret. Women face many problems not only in real life, but on the internet as well. They have to be extra careful while using the internet. But being safe is less about using specific security tools and more about altering behavior. Women need to be competent to handle the negatives of the internet so they can make the most of the great openings it delivers.

With the advent of technology, cybercrime has become a global phenomenon. Cybercrime and the cyber bullying are increasing day-by-day and women are often the main target. According to the FIA, there were 3,027 cases of cybercrime in the 2014-2015 period, and 45 per cent of these concerned the online harassment of women by men.

How Cyber Crime Bill will Protect Women?

Online harassment is one of the most common issues faced by the women. The offender uses different strategies to accomplish their entrusted interests. They use tactics of defamation, blackmailing, fake profiles with obscene content, dissemination of sexual material, unauthorized control and access over a computer system, lustful messages, and improper photographs.

In more serious situations, victims become so depressed because of online harassment and blackmailing that they commit suicide

Cybercriminals sometimes even send email’s to victims in which there are pictures that have their faces superimposed on another woman. All of this done to blackmail women for money or other favors. Some even make fake videos to harass women. This makes it difficult for women to use the internet. Victims usually do not know how to seek help and where they can report the issue.  In more serious situations, victims become so depressed because of online harassment and blackmailing that they commit suicide.

As we all know that the long awaited Cybercrime Bill has finally become a law after facing severe criticisms. It’s a good step taken by the Government of Pakistan. Now that the bill is approved there is a ray of hope that this will protect women on the internet. The bill covers different aspects related to cybercrime. It includes a special endowment for the defense of women.

Cybercrime and the cyber bullying are increasing day-by-day and women are often the main target. It is believed that more than 80% of the victims in Pakistan are female and children

The bill article makes it illegal by law to threaten a woman with sexual ferocity or post images of a woman online without her “definite or implicit consent.” If cyber activity impends injury to a woman’s character, her prevailing state of privacy, or puts her in terror for her protection, the delinquent could face imprisonment for up to a year, a fine of one million rupees, or both. Now acts of cyber terrorism, fraud, hacking, and the distribution of pornographic material over the internet are punishable acts.

Currently FIA monitors cases related to cybercrime and online harassment through its National Response Centre for Cyber Crime (NR3C) department, which is a law implementation agency that is dedicated to fight against cyber-crimes. The Federal Investigation Authority (FIA) was facing problems to combat cybercrime as the related bill wasn’t approved. The FIA bureau registered several cases during the last year and arrested several people involved in cybercrime, most of the suspects got advantage due to absence of complete laws.

The reporting rate of online harassment cases is quite low in Pakistan. The reason is that people are quite afraid of consequences. They think if they involve any Law Enforcement Agency (LEA) in personally offensive matters it will harm their dignity. It should be made clear to them that LEAs such as FIA, etc. are there to safeguard their honor, sanctity along with preserving privacy, as a part of their job to guarantee maximum cyber-safety within the country.

Cybercrime Bill includes a special endowment for the defense of women. The bill article makes it illegal by law to threaten a woman with sexual ferocity or post images of a woman online without her “definite or implicit consent”

Moreover the victims prefer to resolve matters outside of court due to various reasons due to which most of the cases do not enter the judicial system and culprits are allowed to wander free without payback. There was a need of an effective mechanism to deal with this issue. But now with the approved cyber-crime bill, it is hoped that the victims will get justice and the accuser will be punished. It will empower women to fight against online harassment and will give them confidence to pursue their cases in courts.

As internet is the engine of economic growth in the contemporary world and no country could afford to block it every time

In this post modernized world, women’s rights cannot be disregarded. We should create awareness among the public about their rights. There was a dire need for such legislation to resolve the issue permanently. As internet is the engine of economic growth in the contemporary world and no country could afford to block it every time.

A progressive social legislation like this will make our society enlightened and liable. We have to enforce these laws through certain planning and actions because “Actions speak louder than words.”

The law will assist in better use of social media and other electronic platforms, so that the future generations safely use them. But only laws aren’t enough, their proper implementation is equally important, otherwise it’s going to be useless. In the past, bills for women protection have been passed and became laws, but due to weak implementation and lack of awareness they are of no use. There is a requisite of more laws, policies and tactics that not only secure women, but also to retain equilibrium in society.

So let’s hope that this law will be a good sign and will help in curbing cyber-crimes in the country. Hopefully it will guarantee that no one in the society ever think of digital deceit, blackmailing or any other offense.

The Bill will guarantee that no one in the society even think of digital deceit, blackmailing or any other offense