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We have to remember that national security is of paramount importance as are the
interests of India. While India should collaborate with foreign organizations to
procure the best security technologies from overseas, the certifying cyber authority
should be an Indian agency.
Provided the correct cyber environment is created, e-commerce can flourish. Analysts
are indicating that the introduction of cyber laws and the entry of procedures and
rules for verifying digital signatures could provide a significant
impetus to Internet-based business activity.
While the figures for e-commerce transactions in India were modest
for 1999-2000 (Rs. 450 crore worth of business was transacted), the
future is stated to be extremely bright.
All this is possible if we talk cyber
dhanda
rather than cyber
danda.
The arrival of cyber laws should not translate into shackles that bind organizations and
common Internet users. On the contrary, IT laws should promote cyber
dhanda.
For this to happen, there has to be great clarity and simplification of laws,
The cyber cops of the country (the police force which will be responsible for
tracking Net-related crimes and impart punishment) also have to be made aware of
the fine print associated with such law infringements. It has to be emphasized that
they need to concentrate on cyber crime that impacts national security or
affects society at large, viz, hacking, viruses, cyber terrorism, etc. The worry is
that over zealous cyber cops could begin harassing innocent cyber voyagers from
making their harmless journeys. The activities of segments such as
cyber cafes, dating sites and bulletin boards (which are a source of
entertainment for the Internet community) should not emerge as the
new priorities for the cops.
Cyber policing is all very well, but we have to ensure and uphold
the privacy of our Netizens. If we want to truly proliferate the Internet and encourage
its use for generating wealth, we have to leave it free. What people do within the
four walls of their bedrooms, is clearly their own business. Let not the cyber
danda
rule. Let cyber
dhanda
prevail!
n
The Indian government
has to exercise caution in appointing
a certifying authority for issues
like digital signatures.
