Key Definitions — Section 2

Section 2 of the IT Act 2000 contains 44 definitions (sub-sections 2(a) to 2(zg) including insertions). The RPSC syllabus and PYQ pattern indicate that definitions of the following are examinable:

2.1 Core Definitions Table

Term	Section	Definition
Accessing	2(a)	Gaining entry to, instructing, or communicating with the logical, arithmetical, or memory function resources of a computer, computer system, or computer network
Addressee	2(b)	A person who is intended by the originator to receive the electronic record
Computer	2(i)	Any electronic, magnetic, optical or other high-speed data processing device or system which performs logical, arithmetic, and memory functions; includes all input, output, processing, storage, software, or communication facilities
Computer Network	2(j)	The interconnection of one or more computers through the use of satellite, microwave, terrestrial line, wire, wireless or other communication media
Computer Resource	2(k)	Computer, computer system, computer network, data, computer database, or software
Computer System	2(l)	A device or collection of devices, including input and output support devices, and excluding calculators, which contains computer programmes, instructions, and is capable of being used to perform operations on data
Data	2(o)	A representation of information, knowledge, facts, concepts, or instructions which are being prepared or have been prepared in a formalised manner, and is intended to be processed, is being processed, or has been processed in a computer system
Digital Signature	2(p)	Authentication of any electronic record by a subscriber by means of an electronic method or procedure
Electronic Form	2(r)	Any information generated, sent, received, or stored in media, magnetic, optical, computer memory, microfilm, computer-generated microfiche, or similar device
Electronic Record	2(t)	Data, record, or data generated, image or sound stored, received, or sent in an electronic form or microfilm or computer-generated microfiche
Function	2(v)	Logic, control, arithmetic, deletion, storage, and retrieval, and communication or telecommunication from or within a computer, computer system, or computer network
Information	2(v) [sub-clause needs verification — inserted by 2008 Amendment]	Includes data, message, text, images, sound, voice, codes, computer programmes, software and databases or microfilm or computer-generated microfiche
Originator	2(za)	A person who sends, generates, stores, or transmits any electronic message or causes any electronic message to be sent, generated, stored, or transmitted to any other person
Private Area	2(y) inserted by 2008	The naked or undergarment-clad genitals, pubic area, buttocks, or female breast

2.2 'Private Area' — PYQ Explanation

The 2023 PYQ asked directly: "What is 'private area' under the IT Act 2000?"

'Private area' was inserted into Section 2 by the IT (Amendment) Act, 2008 as Section 2(y). It means: the naked or undergarment-clad genitals, pubic area, buttocks, or female breast. This definition was specifically introduced to support Section 66E (violation of privacy through photography/transmission of private area images without consent). It forms the definitional backbone for prosecuting:

• Voyeurism (secret photography in bathrooms, changing rooms)
• Upskirting (photographing under skirts)
• Non-consensual sharing of intimate images ("revenge porn")

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