Cybercrime Against Women Sees 28,000+ Spike in Cases in a Year: Govt Data Revealed

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Cybercrime Targeting Women in India Sees Alarming Rise

A recent report presented to the Rajya Sabha reveals a disturbing surge in cybercrime incidents targeting women in India. The data shows that in 2025, a total of 76,657 complaints were filed, marking a significant increase of over 28,000 cases compared to the previous year.

Rising Trend of Cybercrime Complaints

According to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP), the number of cybercrime complaints involving women has been steadily rising over the past few years. The data indicates a sharp upward trend, with 52,048 cases reported in 2021, 62,224 cases in 2022, 40,066 cases in 2023, 48,335 cases in 2024, and 76,657 cases in 2025.

Types of Cybercrime Complaints

The majority of complaints in 2025 were related to sexually obscene and explicit content online, with 37,743 cases involving obscene material and 19,703 cases involving explicit acts. Additionally, 8,780 cases were linked to rape or gang rape-related abusive content, and 10,431 cases involved child sexual abuse material. These figures highlight the growing misuse of digital platforms for gender-based online abuse and exploitation.

Social Media-Related Cybercrimes

Authorities have also noted a broader increase in social media-related cybercrimes, including cyberbullying, stalking, fake profiles, impersonation, identity theft, and account hacking. These offences often target women, involving harassment, extortion, and reputational harm through digital platforms.

Government Initiatives

In response to the rising threat, the government has introduced several initiatives to support cybercrime prevention and investigation. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal have been established to facilitate reporting and coordination. Financial support has also been provided under schemes targeting cybercrime against women and children.

Capacity Building and Support

Furthermore, authorities have focused on capacity building, with thousands of law enforcement personnel trained in cybercrime investigation. The national cybercrime helpline, 1930, enables victims to report incidents quickly and effectively.

Experts warn that cybercrime against women is becoming more organized and technologically sophisticated, requiring stronger enforcement, platform accountability, and public awareness. As internet access and digital services continue to expand, it is essential to address the growing digital threat landscape and ensure a safer online environment for women.