How many E-mail ids do you have?

By B.Jayakishore

The Government is planning to bring a new clause in Draft Information Technology (IT) Act of 2006, which will make the furnishing of fictitious information on the Internet a 'Punishable offence'. The Government is said to have taken up this measure to save the IT Act, from its 'Toothless Tiger' reputation.

Presently, providing false information on the Internet to get new or alternate email ids on the same Web site is common practice. But, Even though most email service providers refuse to provide two ids to one and the same person, somehow many have managed to get the multiple ids on the same Web site.

Well, if the Government gives Green Signal to the proposed new 'Section 66A', in draft Information Technology (IT) Act 2006, it will make such perpetrators liable for punishment of up to Two years of imprisonment.

Not only that, all clauses applicable under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for similar such offences will automatically become applicable to the offenders.

However, Information regarding fake email identities will be established with the help of Internet service providers and IP addresses. But, It will remain up to investigating agencies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Crime Investigation Department (CID) to Prove weather a person is using false or misleading information on the Internet.

Currently, the Department of Information Technology is in the process of reviewing the draft Information Technology (IT) Act 2006, and has sought feedback on proposed changes from all its stakeholders.