Cyber Safety

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What is cyberbullying?

cyberbullying is any kind of harassment or bullying which is done online – whether over email, WhatsApp, social media, etc.

What are some examples of cyberbullying?

cyberbullying can be of different types. Some examples of cyberbullying are:

  1. Stalking you online
  2. Leaving threatening/hurtful comments on your social media posts
  3. Trolling you
  4. Hacking into your profile
  5. Making a fake profile of you
  6. Leaking/threatening to leak private photos or videos of you online
  7. Sending you hurtful or threatening messages through email, WhatsApp, social media, etc.

Which law governs cyberbullying in India?

There is no specific law in India for cyberbullying. However, based on the type of cyberbullying, different laws can be applied:

Stalking Section 354
Leaving threatening/hurtful comments on social media posts There is no particular section which deals with this. Report it to the social media platform.
Trolling Defamation – Section 499, Indian Penal Code
Hacking Section 66C, Information Technology Act
Making a fake profile Section 66D, Information Technology Act
Leaking private photos or videos of you online Section 66E + Section 67 + Section 67B, Information Technology Act + Indecent Representation of Women Act
Sending hurtful or threatening messages There is no particular section which deals with this. Report it to the social media platform

How do I take action against cyberbullying?

  1. Block. If it is a case like sending hurtful messages/leaving threatening comments/trolling, block the person from accessing your profile.
  2. Report the matter to the social media platform. Ask your friends and family also to report it, so that your complaint gets amplified.
  3. File a complaint with the cyber cell of the police. For serious cases of cyberbullying like someone threatening to leak your private photos, complain to the police immediately. In such cases, prevention is better than cure.

Please note: This information has been made available to you for your benefit on an ‘as is’ basis, and is only for your information. It does not constitute legal advice and cannot substitute professional legal advice. Our disclaimer policy can be viewed here ( disclaimer policy)

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