Segment 2: MCQs on the Information Technology Act, 2000
21. What is the maximum penalty under Section 43 of the IT Act for unauthorized access or causing damage to a computer? a) ₹10 lakh b) ₹5 crore c) ₹1 crore d) No fixed limit, as determined by the adjudicating officer
Answer: d) No fixed limit, as determined by the adjudicating officer Explanation: Section 43 of the IT Act provides for penalties based on the extent of damage caused, which is assessed and determined by the adjudicating officer.
22. Which section of the IT Act establishes the Cyber Appellate Tribunal? a) Section 57 b) Section 48 c) Section 68 d) Section 50
Answer: b) Section 48 Explanation: Section 48 of the IT Act establishes the Cyber Appellate Tribunal to hear appeals from decisions made by adjudicating officers under the Act.
23. Under Section 65, what is the punishment for tampering with computer source documents? a) Fine up to ₹2 lakh or imprisonment up to 3 years, or both b) Fine up to ₹1 lakh or imprisonment up to 2 years, or both c) Fine up to ₹5 lakh or imprisonment up to 5 years, or both d) Imprisonment up to 6 months only
Answer: a) Fine up to ₹2 lakh or imprisonment up to 3 years, or both Explanation: Section 65 penalizes tampering with computer source code, essential for system integrity.
24. Under Section 66D, what is the punishment for cheating by personation using a computer resource? a) Imprisonment up to 2 years and a fine up to ₹1 lakh b) Imprisonment up to 3 years and a fine up to ₹1 lakh c) Imprisonment up to 5 years and a fine up to ₹5 lakh d) Imprisonment up to 7 years and a fine up to ₹2 lakh
Answer: b) Imprisonment up to 3 years and a fine up to ₹1 lakh Explanation: Section 66D penalizes cheating by personation, as fraud committed using a computer system is treated with severity.
25. Section 66A, struck down by the Supreme Court, related to which type of offense? a) Publishing obscene content b) Sending offensive messages through communication service c) Hacking into a computer system d) Unauthorized access to a protected system
Answer: b) Sending offensive messages through communication service Explanation: Section 66A criminalized sending offensive, false, or threatening messages electronically. It was struck down in Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015) for violating Article 19(1)(a).
26. Which section mandates retention of certain information by intermediaries? a) Section 67B b) Section 67C c) Section 68 d) Section 70
Answer: b) Section 67C Explanation: Section 67C mandates intermediaries to retain specific information for prescribed durations to aid legal investigations, ensuring compliance with government directives.
27. Under the IT Act, which section addresses the security practices and procedures for sensitive personal data? a) Section 43A b) Section 45 c) Section 48 d) Section 72A
Answer: a) Section 43A Explanation: Section 43A holds companies accountable for implementing reasonable security practices and compensating individuals for negligent handling of sensitive data.
28. Which section of the IT Act deals with punishment for publishing sexually explicit material? a) Section 67A b) Section 67B c) Section 67C d) Section 68
Answer: a) Section 67A Explanation: Section 67A penalizes publishing or transmitting sexually explicit material electronically, with imprisonment up to 5 years and/or a fine up to ₹10 lakh for the first conviction.
29. Which section deals with the protection of critical information infrastructure? a) Section 66E b) Section 69A c) Section 70 d) Section 72
Answer: c) Section 70 Explanation: Section 70 designates certain computer systems as protected systems for safeguarding critical information infrastructure vital to national security.
30. Which provision ensures that a document will not be denied legal validity solely because it is in electronic form? a) Section 4 b) Section 6 c) Section 8 d) Section 10
Answer: a) Section 4 Explanation: Section 4 provides that any information in electronic form has the same legal effect as its physical counterpart.
31. What is the punishment under Section 66E for violation of privacy? a) Fine up to ₹2 lakh or imprisonment up to 3 years, or both b) Fine up to ₹1 lakh or imprisonment up to 2 years, or both c) Fine up to ₹5 lakh or imprisonment up to 5 years, or both d) Imprisonment up to 6 months only
Answer: b) Fine up to ₹1 lakh or imprisonment up to 2 years, or both Explanation: Section 66E addresses the act of capturing or publishing private images without consent, emphasizing privacy protection.
32. Under Section 69, decryption directions can be issued for which of the following reasons? a) Public order and sovereignty of India b) Scientific research c) E-commerce disputes d) Protection of trademarks
Answer: a) Public order and sovereignty of India Explanation: Section 69 permits decryption instructions for maintaining sovereignty, security, and public order, ensuring national interest.
33. Which section allows an intermediary to avoid liability if it follows prescribed due diligence? a) Section 67 b) Section 79 c) Section 80 d) Section 75
Answer: b) Section 79 Explanation: Section 79 provides immunity to intermediaries for third-party actions if they adhere to due diligence and avoid active participation in unlawful acts.
34. Which authority certifies digital signatures in India? a) Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) b) Ministry of IT c) CERT-IN d) Cyber Appellate Tribunal
Answer: a) Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) Explanation: The CCA under Section 17 regulates the issuance and management of digital signature certificates in India.
35. Under the IT Act, who is authorized to investigate cyber offenses? a) Sub-Inspector of Police b) Inspector of Police c) Superintendent of Police d) Deputy Inspector General of Police
Answer: b) Section 66A Explanation: Though repealed, Section 66A criminalized offensive electronic communications before being declared unconstitutional in Shreya Singhal v. Union of India.
37. Which section covers the guidelines for issuing Digital Signature Certificates? a) Section 35 b) Section 43 c) Section 45 d) Section 50
Answer: b) Section 57 Explanation: Section 57 provides details about appealing decisions made by adjudicating officers to the Cyber Appellate Tribunal.
