Everyday reveals more vulnerability of social networking sites, particularly in metropolis. Though an efficient medium for personal and professional communication, these sites are leading to a spurt in cyber crime.
According to the Delhi Police, 56 criminal cases have been registered this year so far, predominantly targeting women. The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) cyber cell registered 43 cases under the Information Technology Act in 2012.
A senior police officer pointed out how it was not only easy to make friends and connect with old ones on Facebook, Twitter or email, but also to make enemies. It has been noticed that these have become offensive and being misused.
“A few years ago, people were not aware of these websites but nowadays, the young generation is always found chatting and posting anything and everything on social networking sites,” he added.
Referring to several cases, he said people share personal details without getting to know an individual or his/her family. later, when the relationship sours, they approach the police. “They fall in ‘love’ without seeing each other! The trend leads to increase in harassment cases,” the officer added.
latest Delhi Police statistics show that the EOW has received a spate of complaints and cases registered under various Sections of the IT Act, 2000, till June 11, against 43 cases registered in 2012. On the other hand, only 29 cases were registered in 2011, 17 in 2010 and 19 in 2009. Figures are only expected to rise now.
“Many people are not aware of the consequences of posting obscene pictures of their friends on social sites. In many cases, we found that the accused uploaded the victim’s picture just for fun,” the officer added.