UPSC Notes

Online Harassment and Cybercrime

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

UPSC examines contemporary social issues, the impact of technology on society, internal security challenges, and the effectiveness of legal frameworks in addressing new forms of crime and protecting citizens' rights.

Online harassment refers to the use of digital platforms to intimidate, threaten, or defame individuals, often involving the sharing of private information (doxxing), hate speech, or threats of violence. Cybercrime encompasses a broader range of illegal activities conducted via computer networks, posing significant challenges to individual safety and national security.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Forms

Includes doxxing, cyberstalking, hate speech, and threats.

Targets

Often targets vulnerable groups, including women and minorities.

Impact

Can lead to severe psychological distress, reputational damage, and real-world harm.

Legal Frameworks

Addressed by the Information Technology Act, 2000, and provisions within the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaEmerging Information Technologies
Conceptual areaWelfare Schemes & Social Policies
Conceptual areaFundamental Rights

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Delhi PoliceInvestigates
Ministry of Electronics and Information TechnologyFormulates policies
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • Digital platforms enable doxxing, threats, and hate speech.
  • Impacts include psychological harm, reputational damage, and real-world safety risks.
  • Addressed by IT Act and new BNS provisions.
  • Raises questions about freedom of speech vs. online safety.
  • Requires robust law enforcement and digital literacy.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

Emerging Information TechnologiesWelfare Schemes & Social PoliciesFundamental Rights

‘I apologised, threats did not stop’: after Jantar Mantar protest, women face doxxing, calls to 'teach them a lesson'

31 Jul 2026 · Online harassment, including doxxing and threats, is a growing cybercrime facilitated by digital platforms, posing significant social and legal challenges requiring robust legal and policy responses.

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Related topics

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on Online Harassment and Cybercrime in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Online Harassment and Cybercrime

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