Use of Internet and Computers by Terrorists

Many terrorists are using virtual as well as physical storage media for
hiding information and records of their illicit business. They also use
emails and chat rooms to communicate with their counterparts around the globe.

The scenario
The suspects carry laptops wherein information relating to their activities is stored in encrypted and password protected form. They also create email accounts using fictitious details. In many cases, one email account is shared by many people. E.g. one terrorist composes an email and saves it in the draft folder. Another terrorist logs into the same account from another city / country and reads the saved email. He then composes his reply and saves it in the draft folder. The emails are not actually sent. This makes email tracking and tracing almost impossible. Terrorists also use physical storage media for hiding the information e.g. hard drives, floppies, USB drives, mobile phone memory cards, digital camera memory cards, CD ROMs, DVD ROMs, iPods etc. They also use virtual storage media for hiding the information e.g. email accounts, online briefcases, FTP sites, Gspace etc. The laws Terrorists are covered by conventional laws such as Indian Penal Code and special legislation relating to terrorism.

Who is liable?
Terrorists as well as those who help them to protect their information are liable. If email service providers do not assist the law enforcement personnel in the investigation then they are also legally liable. The motive Keeping terrorism related information confidential. Secure communication amongst terrorist group members.