Authored By: Aditi Singh
IILM University, Greater Noida
The internet has become a big part of everyday life. Nowadays we study online, make friends online, shop online, create content online and express our opinions online. Many people especially young people today face online harassment -trolling , bullying, fake accounts , misuse of photos, hate speech, and more.
In simple words, online harassment means the use of digital technologies to repeatedly scare, intimidate, threaten, or harm others. It can be direct, such as sending threats via email or text or indirect such as spreading rumours online.
This blog explains, in easy language, the laws in India that protect young users, how you can take action and what you should do if you ever face online harassment.
What is Online Harassment?
Online harassment happens when someone uses internet to :
Hack accounts
Make fake profiles
Stalk someone online
Spread lies or rumours
Send abusive or threating messages
Share private photos without consent
Publish personal information to shame someone
Blackmail
Many people especially student and young people silently suffer online harassment because they are not aware about laws or feel scared to speak up.
Why Does Online Harassment Affect Young Users More ?
Young users spend more time on social media platforms like Snapchat, WhatsApp, Instagram. Sharing pictures , videos , reels etc. become normal nowadays. This makes them easy targets for :
Jealous peers
Predators
Cyberbullies
Troll groups
Fake accounts
Online harassment affects mental health, confidence, studies, and relationships. But once we know our right, we can protect ourselves better.
Laws in India that protect you from online harassment
This is the important law for online crimes.
Section 66A (Struck down but important to know) : This section punished offensive online messages, but it was removed by the Supreme Court. Even though it is gone, some police still wrongly use it, so young users should be aware that it no longer applies.
Section 66C – Identity theft : if someone makes a fake ID in you name or uses your photos to mislead others, they can be punished.
Section 66D – Cheating by Impersonation: If someone pretends to be you or uses your details to cheat others, this section applies.
Section 66E – Violation of Privacy: Sharing private photos or videos without consent is punishable.
Section 67 – Obscene Material: Posting or sharing obscene photos or videos online is a serious crime.
Section 67A / 67B – Sexual Content: Sharing sexually explicit content, especially involving minors, leads to strict punishment.
Indian Penal Code (IPC)
The IPC also protects you from harassment:
Section 354A – Sexual Harassment: If someone sends sexual messages, unwanted photos, or asks for sexual favours online, it is a crime.
Section 354D – Cyberstalking: Repeatedly contacting someone online, sending messages, or tracking them electronically is stalking.
Section 499 & 500 – Defamation: If someone spreads lies to damage your reputation, you can file a case.
Section 503 & 506 – Criminal Intimidation: Threatening you online, including threats to harm, leak pictures, or shame you, is punishable.
Section 509 – Insulting Modesty: Using abusive messages, sexual insults, or demeaning language is harassment.
POCSO Act (For minors below 18 years)
If a minor faces online sexual harassment or receives sexual messages, the POSCO Act provides very strict punishment. Even sharing or requesting inappropriate photos from a minor is a crime.
What Should You Do if you face online harassment
Many users feel scared or confused. But here’s a simple and easy step by step guidance :
Do not respond or reply : They ( harassers) want attention or response . ignoring them is good idea because it often reduces their power.
Block the harasser : this is the easiest and safest first step, like :
Blocking the person
Limiting who sees your content
Reporting the account
Keep comment section off
If you are not an influencer , you may keep your account private
Report to the platform: Apps like Facebook , YouTube, Instagram and Snapchat remove abusive and sexual content when report it .
Collective Evidence : Collect evidence like Screenshot of :
Messages
Comments
Posts
Chats
Profiles
Threats
Save time and date/day. Evidence is the strongest weapon.
File a complaint : You can file a complaint –
Option A : Police Station
You can visit any local station and file an FIR.
Option B : Cyber Cell
Every city or town has a cyber cell that deals with online crime.
Option C : Cyber Crime Portal
Go to the official government site : www.cybercrime.gov.in
You can file a complaint :
Regular complaints
What young users must always remember
Mental health matters
Privacy settings are your best friend
No shame in seeking help
Your photos are your
Can Minors file a Complaint by themselves?
Yes , they can file complaints, but however , it may require a guardian’s involvement. However, online portal and online support services accept complaints directly from minor.
Why Awareness Matters
Online harassment affects mental and physical health, confidence, academic performance. Many youngsters stay silent due to fear or blames themselves or have lack of knowledge. Understanding the law makes them to speak up and take action.
CONCLUSION
The internet is the great place for networking, creativity and learning. It also helps academically. But only when it is safe. Online harassment or Cyberbullying can harm mental health, confidence , reputation, especially for young users. And India has strong and effective laws that protect you against stalking, fake accounts, and misuse of photos and Cyberbullying.
Just Remember :
You are not alone, you are not powerless.
Stay aware. Stay brave. Stay safe.
