Tracking Harm in the Shadows: Legal and Forensic Responses to the Dark Web Sexual Crimes in India

The research paper focuses on the implications of the development of the Dark Web on sexual offenses, with special emphasis on child sexual exploitation and trafficking. This qualitative study analyzes the Indian legislative framework, which includes the Information Technology (IT) Act, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO), and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The challenges identified are the lack of legislative measures to address the Dark Web, challenges in law enforcement and forensics, and the jurisdictional challenges. The recommendations include the development of cross-border legislation and technical measures in digital forensics. It also focuses on the role of digital forensic tools and the challenges to civil liberties, along with the importance of public-private partnerships. The study points to the gaps in the Indian legislative framework in comparison with the international standards, with emphasis on the need to achieve better victim-centered outcomes in investigations and the need to address the unique issues associated with the Dark Web.