Machine Learning Driven Strategies for Safeguarding India’s Digital Environment Against Cyberstalking

Abstract

The ubiquity of the internet and mobile phones has drastically shifted the physical world into a virtual realm, encompassing individuals of all age groups, from schoolchildren to seniors. People now utilize social media and various internet-based platforms to connect and invest their time. However, within this virtual environment, the ability to conceal or impersonate one’s identity presents an opportunity for criminal activity to go unnoticed. Despite India’s progression towards becoming a digital nation, there exists a shortage of regulations and technological resources to address the challenges stemming from this digital paradigm shift. Cybercrime refers to any illicit behavior involving the use of a computer as a tool, target, or weapon. One subset of cybercrime is cyberstalking, which encompasses actions where a perpetrator employs a computer or associated technologies to induce fear in their victim. This chapter aims to delve into the definition, typology, detection, prevention, and the imperative need for cybercrime education. Its primary objective is to investigate the surge in internet stalking cases in India, exploring the definition, categories, and underlying causes of cyberstalking. Additionally, this article scrutinizes the Indian legal framework and judicial precedents related to these issues.