758 cases against explicit content transmission in 2014

Highest number reported from Uttar Pradesh at 371, followed by Karnataka and Rajasthan

A total of 758 cases were reported in 2014 for publication and transmission of obscene or sexually explicit content under the Information Technology Act, Parliament was informed today.

"As per the data maintained by National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), a total number of 758 crimes have been reported in 2014 under the category of IT - Publications/Transmission of obscene/sexually explicit content under the Information Technology Act, 2000," Minister of Communications and Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad said in a written reply to Lok Sabha.

The highest number of such crimes were reported from Uttar Pradesh at 371, followed by Karnataka (72) and Rajasthan (55).

As per the data compiled by NCRB, 191 cases have been solved and 313 cases have been pending for trial in 2014, he said.

Further, a total of 491 persons were arrested in 2014 in such cases.

The Minister said as per the Ministry of Home Affairs advisory, states have set up cyber crime cells to investigate online crimes and initiated action to strengthen investigation resources in such cells.

Responding to a separate query, Prasad said the growth in cyber space and IT, systems and associated services in all areas worldwide has led to a rise in virus attacks on computers in the country.

"Some of the latest malware targetting computer systems and mobile devices include Kilim, Bioazih RAT, Android.Badaccents, Cridex Trojan, FakeInst, Android Opfake, Dyreza, ZeroAccess, ZeuS, etc," he said.

Prasad added that Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) suggests remedial measures to the users to dis-infect infected systems and prevent further infections.