Digital Society Day in India Date in the current year: October 17, 2024

The Information Technology Act 2000 is the primary law in India dealing with cybercrime and electronic commerce. Under the Act electronic records and digital signatures are recognized. It also defines cybercrimes and prescribes penalties for them. There are many offenses listed in the Act, including hacking into computer system, use of passwords of others, publishing private photos of others etc. It was passed on October 17, thus this day became the date of the modern observance.

The Act became crucial for development of the digital society, since it enabled all contracts to be formed and supported in digital form. On this day the e-commerce of India came to a higher level of its existence.

The very first organization that undertook specific actions related to fulfillment of the objectives of the Act was Cyber Law College. It also was the first to recognize Digital Society Day. The formal celebration of this day was started only in 2006 at Bangalore, where the event was organized by Digital Society Foundation. Since the first year of celebration the Foundation annually holds special activities and events.