Awareness of Cyber Laws Among Women in Bhopal: A Socio-Legal Study

The rapid expansion of digital technologies and internet usage has significantly increased women's participation in online activities. However, it has also exposed them to various forms of cyber crimes, including cyber stalking, online harassment, identity theft, cyber bullying, and financial fraud. In this context, awareness of cyber laws plays a crucial role in ensuring women's digital safety and access to justice. The present study, “Awareness of Cyber Laws Among Women in Bhopal: A Socio-Legal Study,” was conducted to assess the level of awareness of cyber laws among women in Bhopal and to examine the socio-demographic factors influencing such awareness. The study is socio-legal and descriptive in nature. Primary data were collected from 100 women respondents selected from different areas of Bhopal through the convenience sampling method. A structured questionnaire was used as the main tool for data collection. The collected data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, and chi square statistical techniques. The findings revealed that although most respondents were aware of common cyber crimes, their knowledge regarding cyber laws, legal remedies, and cyber crime reporting mechanisms was limited. The study further found that educational qualification and occupational status significantly influenced the level of cyber law awareness. Social media emerged as the major source of information regarding cyber laws among women. The study concludes that there is a need to strengthen cyber law awareness, digital literacy, and legal education initiatives to enhance women's safety and empowerment in cyberspace. The study contributes to the existing literature on cyber law awareness and provides useful insights for policymakers, educational institutions, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organizations working towards women's cyber security and legal empowerment.