Rising Cybercrime Against Women in India: NCRP Data Reveals Alarming Trends
Cybercrime Against Women in India Sees Alarming Increase, According to Official Data
A recent surge in cybercrime complaints involving women in India has raised concerns over digital safety and the effectiveness of reporting and enforcement mechanisms.
Alarming Rise in Cybercrime Cases
According to data from the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP), a total of 76,657 cases involving women were reported in 2025, representing a significant increase of nearly 28,000 cases compared to the 48,335 reported in 2024.
The data, shared in the Rajya Sabha, reveals that the majority of these cases involved online harassment, stalking, circulation of obscene content, and child sexual abuse material.
Complaints related to obscene content accounted for the highest number, with 37,743 cases reported, followed by 19,703 cases involving sexually explicit acts, 8,780 cases of rape-related abusive content, and 10,431 cases linked to child sexual abuse material.
Steady Increase in Overall Cybercrimes
The NCRP data also highlights a steady increase in overall cybercrimes linked to social media and the internet.
While such cases stood at 72,301 in 2021, the number has risen significantly to 173,766 in 2025.
- Cyberbullying, stalking, and sexting accounted for 45,832 cases
- Fake or impersonation profiles made up 46,784 complaints
- Identity theft and profile hacking cases stood at 34,533
- Cheating through impersonation was reported in 23,252 instances
Other cyber offences reported during the year include online job fraud, provocative or unlawful content, phishing, impersonation emails, threatening emails, and matrimonial fraud.
Government Response
The Indian government has emphasized that law and order is a state subject, and the primary responsibility for investigation and action lies with state governments and Union Territories.
However, the Centre is providing support through policy guidance and financial assistance.
To tackle cybercrimes against women and children, over ₹132 crore has been allocated for the establishment of cyber forensic and training laboratories across 33 states and Union Territories.
As part of these efforts, over 24,600 officials, including investigators, prosecutors, and judicial officers, have been trained in cybercrime investigation and forensics.
The NCRP platform has emerged as a crucial channel for citizens to report cyber offences, particularly those involving women and children, and has played a significant role in improving reporting and response.
Expert Opinion
Experts believe that the growing digital dependence in India is intensifying cybersecurity challenges, and that stronger awareness, robust technological safeguards, and strict enforcement are necessary to curb this rising threat.