Introduction
Cyber law, also known as Internet law or digital law, is a rapidly evolving field that deals with legal issues related to the use of technology, computers, and the internet. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including online privacy, cybersecurity, intellectual property, and electronic commerce.
Key Aspects of Cyber Law
- Online Privacy: Cyber law governs how personal information is collected, stored, and used online. It includes regulations on data breaches, identity theft, and surveillance.
- Cybersecurity: Cyber law sets standards for protecting data and systems from cyber attacks, viruses, and hacking.
- Intellectual Property: Cyber law protects copyrights, trademarks, and patents in the digital realm. It addresses issues such as online piracy and plagiarism.
- Electronic Commerce: Cyber law regulates online transactions, contracts, and disputes. It covers issues like online payments, digital signatures, and consumer protection.
Examples of Cyber Law
One well-known example of cyber law is the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which safeguards children’s privacy online by requiring parental consent for the collection of personal information from minors.
Case Studies
Equifax Data Breach: In 2017, Equifax, one of the largest credit reporting agencies, suffered a massive data breach that exposed the personal information of over 147 million consumers. This incident led to lawsuits, regulatory investigations, and new data protection laws.
Statistics
According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, there were 1,579 data breaches reported in the U.S. in 2017, exposing over 178 million records. These breaches resulted in financial losses, reputational damage, and legal consequences for affected organizations.
