Digital Arrest: An Emerging Cybercrime in India

“Arrest signifies physical detainment, none can be arrested digitally as there is no such concept in India” The complex and contentious issue of digital arrest has gained attention in modern digital world due to proliferation of cybercrime and need of an advanced legal mechanism to deal with the offenders. In recent years, internet usage and digital services have abruptly arisen, resulted rise in digital crimes. The central theme of this paper is to highlight the tricks by which cyber-crooks extort money and the legal regime regarding the offence in India. This work is basically done by using case study method wherein certain incidents of digital arrest and its background is studied. To explore the subject in depth and to know about awareness of people regarding this issue, it follows a doctrinal research approach, a survey has also been conducted in a close ended questionnaire form by using qualitative method. The work starts with defining the term digital arrest, how it works and the legality of digital arrest in India. It also deals with the legal framework for digital arrest and technology used to combat it. This work throws light over certain treaties which assures fundamental right of privacy at online platforms. Coming to end the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies and some suggestions for protection of internet users are discussed. In the end author sum up with concluding remarks.