Cybercrime and Digital Forensics: Emerging Legal Challenges
- NLR Journal
- Nov 27
- 1 min read
        By Ganesh Shrirang Nale (Satarkar), M.A. Sociology, Central University of Haryana*.
Abstract
In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, cybercrime has emerged as one of the most pressing threats to global security, governance, and human rights. From identity theft and data breaches to cyberterrorism and deepfake manipulation, the nature of crime has shifted dramatically with the integration of technology into daily life. The discipline of digital forensics, which entails the scientific collection and analysis of electronic evidence, has become a cornerstone of modern criminal investigations. This paper examines the socio-legal dimensions of cybercrime and digital forensics, focusing on emerging legal challenges in India and beyond. It explores the adequacy of existing legislation, issues of jurisdiction, privacy, and evidentiary reliability, while emphasizing the need for robust policy frameworks, judicial capacity-building, and international cooperation. The study integrates doctrinal and comparative approaches to assess how evolving cyber laws can align with constitutional safeguards and human rights principles.
Keywords: Cybercrime, Digital Forensics, Information Technology Act, Data Protection, Evidence, Jurisdiction, Privacy, Legal Challenges.
*Â LL.M. (Criminal Law), LL.B. (Special), UGC-NET (Law & Criminology).
