VIRTUAL ACT
Cyber law is growing as a profession in India with the increasing demand of lawyers with such expertise
The booming technology sector plays a major role in the development of a state and its society. Its wide use has proved its strength and has built a virtual world of its own. Despite its positive impact, the cyber world and internet have challenges that require legal devolvement. Therefore, cyber laws were framed which several nations across the globe have executed from time to time to protect civilians from being threatened by technology. Criminal activities over the internet and its unchecked use have lead to activities such as hacking, pornography, email spoofing, money laundering and much more. Therefore, laws were framed to curb such acts and cyber lawyers with a specialisation to tackle such cases came into being.
Cyber law is fairly new in India and requires improvisation. Ameet Datta, cyber lawyer at Luthra & Luthra Law Firm in New Delhi says, “There is great opportunity to strengthen the system and the field requires fresh talent to make laws and execute them.” Cyber law is a wise option for one to make, given the rise of technology and utilisation of the internet. Datta adds, “The profession is tremendously exciting and is a mix of law with technology. Thus, one’s knowledge of both is important.” The increase in use of technology is not the only reason for the simultaneous growing requirement of cyber lawyers. It is also the increasing awareness among people in society and their claims against breach of laws which demands such lawyers in our country.
A cyber lawyer’s day- to- day affairs involves sharing their opinions with large corporate houses, attending sessions in court, drafting legal notices and agreements and consulting clients. Prashant Mali, a cyber lawyer at a cyber law consulting firm in Mumbai says, “It is an upcoming profession but the level of expertise in both law and technical know- how has to be excellent.” The best way for one to excel in this profession is to educate oneself the right way by choosing the right courses. Datta advices, “The best combination would be to graduate from an engineering college, followed by a course in law. It will give one the best of both sides and help one excel in the field.” One has to be constantly updated with technology and its developments. “They may refer to books, internet and other sources available,” adds Datta. A personal interest in the field is essential to allow one to follow such a routine.
Apart from making a decision and wanting to specialise in cyber law, one should know that the profession is fairly new and a back- up is essential. There are various colleges where one may study law and specialise in the profession. The National Law School of India University ( NLSUI) in Bangalore is considered the best, followed by the faculty of law in Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi. Most law institutes ask their students to complete a compulsory internship which adds to their scores. Mali adds that an internship is beneficial and a degree could be of no good without quality experience. The opportunity is immense but it’s the caliber and persistence that will help one reach great heights.