Security Bytes

Indian IT Act gets a facelift

The long-awaited amendment to the Information Technology Act (Amendment) Act 2008, which aims at tightening procedures and safeguards for monitoring and interception of data to prevent cyber crimes, has come into force. It has been effected since October 27, 2009.

Besides monitoring and interception, the amended Act also deals with the appointment of Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (ICERT), which deals with computer security and situations arising from cyber attacks.

The IT (Amendment) Act 2008 was passed by both the houses of Parliament on December 23, 2008. The Act was notified after the assent of President on February 5, 2009

The Information Technology Act was enacted in 2000 with a view to provide legal recognition to e-commerce and e-transactions, to facilitate e-governance and prevent computer-based crimes.