Google Searches That Are Illegal in India - Dos and Don'ts
Nov 5, 2023, 01:25 IST

The following types of Google searches are illegal in India:
- Child pornography: This is a serious crime and can result in imprisonment.
- Hate speech: This includes any search terms that promote hatred or violence against a particular group of people.
- Terrorist content: This includes any search terms that promote or support terrorism.
- Instructions on how to commit a crime: This includes any search terms that provide instructions on how to commit a crime, such as how to make a bomb or how to assassinate someone.
- Fake news and misinformation: This includes any search terms that promote fake news or misinformation, which can have a negative impact on public order and safety.
If you are unsure whether a particular search term is legal in India, it is always best to err on the side of caution and avoid searching for it.
Here are some examples of the punishments that can be imposed for searching for illegal content on Google in India:
- Child pornography: Possession or distribution of child pornography is a serious crime in India and can result in imprisonment for up to 10 years and/or a fine of up to ₹10 lakh.
- Hate speech: Promoting hatred or violence against a particular group of people is a crime in India and can result in imprisonment for up to 3 years and/or a fine of up to ₹5 lakh.
- Terrorist content: Promoting or supporting terrorism is a crime in India and can result in imprisonment for up to 10 years and/or a fine of up to ₹10 lakh.
- Instructions on how to commit a crime: Providing instructions on how to commit a crime is a crime in India and can result in imprisonment for up to 7 years and/or a fine of up to ₹10 lakh.
- Fake news and misinformation: Promoting fake news or misinformation that can cause harm to public order and safety is a crime in India and can result in imprisonment for up to 3 years and/or a fine of up to ₹5 lakh.
It is important to note that the above punishments are just examples and the actual punishment imposed will depend on the specific circumstances of the case.
The punishment for searching for illegal content on Google in India depends on the severity of the offence. In minor cases, the user may simply be warned by Google or their internet service provider (ISP). In more serious cases, the user may be fined or even imprisoned.
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