Cybercrime incidents targeting women in India have witnessed a sharp rise, with over 76,650 complaints reported in 2025, marking an increase of more than 28,000 cases compared to 2024, the government informed the Rajya Sabha.
The data, shared by Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar, highlights growing concerns over online safety for women amid expanding digital usage across the country.
Sharp rise in cyber offences against women
According to official figures from the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP), cybercrime complaints involving women increased from 48,335 cases in 2024 to 76,657 in 2025.
The data also shows fluctuations over the past few years:
- 52,048 cases in 2021
- 62,224 cases in 2022
- 40,066 cases in 2023
- 48,335 cases in 2024
- 76,657 cases in 2025
This indicates an overall upward trend, particularly in the last year.
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Obscene content and explicit material dominate complaints
The majority of complaints in 2025 were related to sexually obscene and explicit content online.
Breakdown of cases includes:
- 37,743 cases of sexually obscene material
- 19,703 cases of sexually explicit acts
- 8,780 cases linked to rape or gang rape-related abusive content
- 10,431 cases involving child sexual abuse material
These figures reflect the growing misuse of digital platforms for gender-based online abuse and exploitation.
Rise in social media-linked cyber offences
Authorities also noted a broader increase in social media-related cybercrimes, including:
- Cyberbullying and stalking
- Fake profiles and impersonation
- Identity theft and account hacking
- Cheating by impersonation
Such offences are increasingly targeting women, often involving harassment, extortion, and reputational harm through digital platforms.
Government response and institutional measures
The government reiterated that “police” and “public order” are state subjects, placing primary responsibility for investigation on states and Union Territories.
However, the Centre has introduced several initiatives to support cybercrime prevention, including:
- The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)
- The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal
- Financial support under schemes targeting cybercrime against women and children
Authorities have also focused on capacity building, with thousands of law enforcement personnel trained in cybercrime investigation.
Additionally, the national cybercrime helpline 1930 enables victims to report incidents quickly and prevent financial losses.
Growing digital threat landscape
The sharp rise in cases underscores the increasing vulnerability of women in digital spaces, even as internet access and digital services continue to expand.
Experts warn that cybercrime against women is becoming more organised and technologically sophisticated, requiring stronger enforcement, platform accountability, and public awareness.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
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