Segment 4: MCQs on the Information Technology Act, 2000
61. What is the primary purpose of Section 2(1)(t) in the IT Act? a) To define digital signatures b) To define cyber security c) To define “electronic record” d) To define “protected system”
Answer: c) To define “electronic record” Explanation: Section 2(1)(t) defines “electronic record” as data, record, or data generated, sent, received, or stored in an electronic form.
62. Which section of the IT Act governs the recognition of electronic records and signatures? a) Section 3 b) Section 4 c) Section 10A d) Section 6
Answer: b) Section 4 Explanation: Section 4 ensures that electronic records and signatures are legally recognized and treated equivalent to their physical counterparts.
63. Under which section can intermediaries be required to assist government agencies? a) Section 69 b) Section 70 c) Section 72 d) Section 79
Answer: a) Section 69 Explanation: Section 69 mandates intermediaries to provide technical assistance to government agencies for lawful interception, monitoring, or decryption.
64. Which section empowers the Central Government to declare certain systems as “protected systems”? a) Section 70 b) Section 71 c) Section 75 d) Section 79
Answer: a) Section 70 Explanation: Section 70 gives the Central Government authority to notify and protect critical infrastructure by declaring it as a “protected system.”
65. Which section deals with penalties for contravention of rules by Certifying Authorities? a) Section 45 b) Section 68 c) Section 57 d) Section 73
Answer: d) Section 73 Explanation: Section 73 imposes penalties on Certifying Authorities for willful contravention of the IT Act or its rules, ensuring accountability.
66. Which provision of the IT Act governs the liability of corporate bodies for failure to protect data? a) Section 43A b) Section 66 c) Section 67C d) Section 72A
Answer: a) Section 43A Explanation: Section 43A holds corporate bodies liable for failing to maintain reasonable security practices, leading to data breaches.
67. Which section defines the term “digital signature”? a) Section 2(1)(p) b) Section 2(1)(ta) c) Section 2(1)(zb) d) Section 2(1)(v)
Answer: d) Section 2(1)(p) Explanation: Section 2(1)(p) defines a digital signature as an authentication technique using an electronic method or procedure.
68. What is the purpose of Section 10 in the IT Act? a) To validate electronic contracts b) To provide for the attribution of electronic records c) To regulate digital signatures d) To address privacy violations
Answer: b) To provide for the attribution of electronic records Explanation: Section 10 lays down the conditions under which electronic records can be attributed to a person.
69. Which section provides for the appointment of adjudicating officers for cyber offenses? a) Section 46 b) Section 48 c) Section 50 d) Section 52
Answer: a) Section 46 Explanation: Section 46 designates adjudicating officers to determine civil liabilities for cyber offenses under the IT Act.
70. Under Section 66C, what is the punishment for identity theft? a) Imprisonment up to 2 years and a fine b) Imprisonment up to 3 years and a fine up to ₹1 lakh c) Imprisonment up to 5 years and a fine up to ₹5 lakh d) Imprisonment up to 7 years and a fine
Answer: b) Imprisonment up to 3 years and a fine up to ₹1 lakh Explanation: Section 66C penalizes identity theft, emphasizing the need to protect individuals’ online identities.
71. Under Section 72A, disclosure of personal information without consent is punishable with? a) Fine up to ₹5 lakh and imprisonment up to 3 years b) Fine up to ₹1 lakh and imprisonment up to 2 years c) Imprisonment up to 5 years only d) No punishment specified
Answer: a) Fine up to ₹5 lakh and imprisonment up to 3 years Explanation: Section 72A penalizes unauthorized disclosure of personal information obtained under a lawful contract.
72. Which section provides the procedure for certifying electronic records? a) Section 65B of the Indian Evidence Act b) Section 3 of the IT Act c) Section 67 of the IT Act d) Section 79 of the IT Act
Answer: a) Section 65B of the Indian Evidence Act Explanation: Section 65B of the Indian Evidence Act provides guidelines for the admissibility of electronic records in courts, complementing the IT Act.
73. Which Supreme Court case struck down Section 66A of the IT Act? a) Shreya Singhal v. Union of India b) Anvar P.V. v. P.K. Basheer c) Ratan Tata v. Union of India d) Puttaswamy v. Union of India
Answer: a) Shreya Singhal v. Union of India Explanation: In Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015), the Supreme Court struck down Section 66A, deeming it unconstitutional for violating the right to free speech.
74. Under Section 69B, interception of information is allowed for which purpose? a) Cyber terrorism b) Research and development c) Enhancing cyber security d) Promoting e-commerce
Answer: c) Enhancing cyber security Explanation: Section 69B permits interception and monitoring of information to enhance cyber security and protect national interests.
75. Which section provides for the compounding of certain offenses under the IT Act? a) Section 77A b) Section 70A c) Section 73 d) Section 66
Answer: a) Section 77A Explanation: Section 77A allows for compounding of offenses that are punishable with imprisonment of up to three years, except for repeat offenders.
76. What is the punishment for publishing child pornographic material under Section 67B? a) Imprisonment up to 3 years and fine up to ₹5 lakh b) Imprisonment up to 5 years and fine up to ₹10 lakh c) Imprisonment up to 7 years and fine up to ₹7 lakh d) Imprisonment up to 10 years and fine
Answer: b) Imprisonment up to 5 years and fine up to ₹10 lakh Explanation: Section 67B prescribes stringent penalties for publishing or transmitting child pornographic content online.
77. Which section defines the term “cyber security”? a) Section 2(nb) b) Section 70B c) Section 2(1)(w) d) Section 79A
Answer: a) Section 2(nb) Explanation: Section 2(nb) defines “cyber security” as measures to protect information and systems from unauthorized access, disruption, or damage.
78. Under which section is the penalty for damaging computer systems or networks outlined? a) Section 43 b) Section 66 c) Section 72 d) Section 67C
Answer: a) Section 17 Explanation: Section 17 designates the Controller as the certifying authority for maintaining a repository of digital signature certificates.
