Protection Against Cyberstalking and Online Harassment
Women are protected from online stalking, harassment, morphing of images, and non-consensual sharing of intimate images.
🗣️ What this means for you
If someone is harassing you online — sending abusive messages, threatening you, morphing your photos, sharing your private pictures without consent, creating fake profiles in your name, or stalking you on social media — it is a crime. You can file a complaint with the Cyber Crime Cell, and the offender can be arrested. Your identity as a victim will be kept confidential.
Step-by-Step Action Plan
Take screenshots of ALL harassment — messages, posts, profiles. Note URLs, usernames, and timestamps.
Do NOT delete anything — preserve all digital evidence.
Block the harasser on all platforms and secure your accounts (change passwords, enable 2FA).
Report the content/account to the social media platform for immediate takedown.
File a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930.
File an FIR at the nearest police station or the Cyber Crime Cell.
If images are being circulated, request immediate takedown from the platform under IT intermediary guidelines.
⚖️ The Relevant Law
Information Technology Act, 2000 / Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 (2000)
Section 67/67A of IT Act, Section 78 and Section 79 of BNS, 2023
"Publishing or transmitting obscene material, sexually explicit material, or material depicting private areas of a person in electronic form without their consent is punishable. Stalking through electronic communication and voyeurism (capturing intimate images) are criminal offences."
⚠️ Punishment / Penalty
IT Act Section 67: imprisonment up to 3 years and fine up to ₹5 lakh (first offence), 5 years and ₹10 lakh (subsequent). Section 67A (sexually explicit): 5 years and ₹10 lakh (first), 7 years and ₹10 lakh (subsequent). BNS Section 78 (stalking): up to 3 years (first offence), up to 5 years (repeat). BNS Section 79 (voyeurism): 1-3 years (first), 3-7 years (repeat).
Required Documents
- 📄Screenshots of harassment with timestamps and URLs
- 📄Profile details of the harasser
- 📄Your account details (to verify identity)
- 📄Any previous complaints to the platform
- 📄ID proof