Everything you wanted to know about Cyberbullying and Online Harassment: Your Legal Rights and Remedies
Cyberbullying and online harassment are serious digital threats affecting thousands of Indians every day. Whether it’s abusive comments, impersonation, or stalking, such behavior can deeply harm mental health and reputation. Indian law recognizes many forms of cyberbullying as punishable offenses — and you have the right to seek protection and justice.
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What Counts as Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying includes any form of bullying, threatening, or harassing behavior conducted through digital platforms like social media, messaging apps, forums, emails, or calls. It may involve abuse, impersonation, blackmail, or spreading harmful content.
Who Is Affected Most?
Though anyone can be targeted, data shows the highest risk for:
- Teenagers and school children
- Women and girls (especially influencers or working professionals)
- LGBTQ+ individuals
- Journalists and activists
- Employees in toxic workplaces
Common Forms of Online Harassment
- Repeated abusive messages or threats via DM
- Fake social media profiles using your name or photos
- Leaking or threatening to leak private images
- Mass trolling or humiliation campaigns
- Stalking or unwanted communication
Legal Protections under Indian Law
Several Indian laws address online abuse:
- Section 66A IT Act: Sending offensive or threatening messages (struck down but cited)
- Section 66E: Capturing/distributing private images without consent
- Section 67: Obscene or sexually explicit online content
- IPC Section 354D: Cyberstalking
- IPC Section 507: Criminal intimidation through anonymous communication
- Section 499/500: Online defamation
Steps to Take if You're Targeted
- Do not engage with the bully — block them immediately
- Take screenshots and save links or messages
- File a complaint online at cybercrime.gov.in
- Report the profile/content to the platform (Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp)
- Consider legal help if harassment is persistent
Preserving Evidence
Evidence helps build a strong case. You should collect:
- Screenshots showing abuse, impersonation, or threats
- URLs to fake profiles or posts
- Phone numbers, email addresses, usernames involved
- Chat logs or timestamps
How to File a Complaint
You can file a complaint in two ways:
- Online: Go to cybercrime.gov.in and use the "Women/Child" option or "Report Other Cybercrime"
- Offline: Visit the nearest police station or cyber cell with a written complaint and evidence
More help here: How to File a Cybercrime Complaint in India
Punishment for Cyberbullies
Depending on the nature of the offense, cyberbullies may face:
- Up to 3 years in prison and/or fines (under IT Act)
- Defamation or stalking charges under IPC
- Stricter penalties for repeat offenders or child-targeted crimes
Minors and Student Victims
If the victim is a minor:
- Parents, guardians, or teachers can file the complaint
- Schools are legally required to support and report the incident
- Child Welfare Committees and NGOs may assist
Role of Schools and Companies
Institutions should:
- Have a digital safety and anti-harassment policy
- Train students and employees on digital rights
- Take internal action or report when cases emerge
Support and Resources
FAQs
- Can I file anonymously? Yes, especially in cases involving women and children
- Do platforms act on reports? Instagram, Facebook, YouTube have takedown policies for abuse
- What if the bully is a minor? Juvenile Justice Act applies, but action can still be taken
Further Reading
Back to Pillar Post: Cyber Law for the Everyday Indian
