New India Law Criminalizes Online Adult Content

NEW DELHI — A new law in India makes browsing or downloading adult pictures or films a crime punishable by five years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000 on first offense, going up to seven years on a second offense.

Raid: The Information Technology (Amendment) Bill was passed without debate by parliament last week. It treats providers of adult material and recipients in the same manner and gives wide powers to authorities, including giving inspectors the right to raid and arrest an accused without a warrant.

Websites that automatically open with adult images that remain on a computer's hard drive would be sufficient reason for an inspector to arrest and prosecute the user.

Another section of the bill provides for any government agency to interrupt, monitor or decrypt any information generated, transmitted, received or stored in any computer.

One section of the bill is titled "punishment for publishing or transmitting of material depicting children in sexually explicit act, etc. in electronic form." If any suspect images are found on a computer, the owner is required to establish that those depicted are not children to avoid conviction.

Introducing any "contaminant" in a computer or network is outlawed under the category of "cyber terrorism" in the bill and could lead to life imprisonment, since the bill says "such conduct causes or is likely to cause death or injuries to persons or damages to or destruction of property." The bill does not explain how a computer crime could cause death or injuries.

"Cyber terrorism" also includes other acts of "terrorism" committed electronically including threatening the unity, integrity, security or sovereignty of India, to strike terror on the people or to access computer sources that are restricted for reasons of security of the state or foreign relations.

The bill also provides for punishment with a jail term of up to three years and a fine for sending any information — that is grossly offensive, has menacing character or is known to be false — for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience, danger, obstruction, insult, injury, criminal intimidation, enmity, hatred or ill will, or any electronic mail or message meant to cause annoyance or inconvenience, or to deceive or mislead the addressee or recipient.

Identity theft — to misuse a person's electronic signature, password or any other unique identification feature or impersonation in electronic activity — are punishable with a three-year imprisonment and a fine of up to $2,500.

Thefts of computer source codes and programs also are outlawed in the bill.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

Only Tax Deductions Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Adult industry accounting firm Only Tax Deductions has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Adult Empire Launches 'Conversations' Podcast Series

Adult Empire has launched a new official podcast series hosted by Nicole Chappelle and Charlie.

Sex Work CEO Launches 'Teams Plan' for AI Assistant

Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Teams Plan for its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

WannaCollab Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

WannaCollab has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

FSC Unpacks SCOTUS Age Verification Ruling in Webinar

The Free Speech Coalition conducted a public webinar Tuesday to help adult industry stakeholders understand the Supreme Court’s recent decision in FSC v. Paxton, and its potential implications.

Show More