Tripura gets tough with cyber crime

AGARTALA - The Tripura government Wednesday notified guidelines that propose stringent action, including a 10-year jail term, against those involved in cyber crime.

“If anybody is found guilty of indulging in cyber crime, he can be prosecuted with a maximum of 10-year imprisonment and a fine of Rs.200,000,” police spokesman Nepal Das told reporters.

He said the government has notified guidelines for private cyber cafes and internet dhabas. “If the cyber caf and internet dhaba owners violate these guidelines, stringent actions will be taken against them,” Das added.

“There shall not be any cabin in any cyber caf and proper records with detailed identity of the users shall be maintained by the cyber caf and internet dhaba owners,” the guidelines added.

“Children below the age of 18 years should come to cyber caf and internet dhaba with their guardians,” said the guidelines.

The spokesman said surprise raids will be conducted on cyber cafs and internet dhabas to ensure adherence to the Information Technology Act 2000.

The government has also designated certain police officials who can be informed by people about cyber crimes.