Understanding Revenge Porn and Indian Cyber Law: What Victims Need to Know
Revenge porn is a serious violation of privacy and dignity — and it is illegal under Indian law. Whether it’s an ex-partner sharing private images out of spite, or someone leaking explicit material without consent, such acts are criminal and victims have strong legal remedies. This post explains the legal definitions, applicable laws, steps to take, and how to seek justice if you are a victim of revenge porn in India.
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What Is Revenge Porn?
Revenge porn involves the sharing of private, intimate, or sexually explicit images or videos of a person without their consent. The intent is often to shame, harass, or blackmail the victim. In India, such acts are considered cybercrime and attract both civil and criminal liability.
This includes:
- Leaking private images or videos without permission
- Threatening to release such content
- Sharing intimate content on social media or WhatsApp groups
- Uploading content to pornographic websites without consent
Key Indian Laws That Apply
India does not have a separate “revenge porn” law, but the following legal provisions offer strong protection:
- Information Technology Act, 2000
- Indian Penal Code (IPC)
- Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act – if the victim is under 18
- Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986
Relevant IPC & IT Act Sections
- Section 66E of IT Act: Punishes capturing or publishing images of private areas without consent (up to 3 years imprisonment + fine)
- Section 67 & 67A IT Act: Punishes publishing obscene or sexually explicit material electronically (up to 5 years imprisonment)
- Section 354C IPC: Punishes voyeurism (watching or capturing someone in a private act without consent)
- Section 509 IPC: Insulting the modesty of a woman through words or gestures
- Section 292 IPC: Sale or circulation of obscene material
Immediate Steps If You're a Victim
- Do not panic: You have legal rights and protection under the law.
- Collect evidence: Take screenshots, save URLs, note usernames, and preserve chat logs.
- Avoid confrontation with the abuser: Instead, approach authorities legally.
- Ensure privacy: Remove your personal info from profiles if needed.
How to File a Complaint
You can file a cybercrime complaint in the following ways:
1. Online via the Cybercrime Portal
- Visit www.cybercrime.gov.in
- Click on “Report Women/Child Related Crime” for faster action
- Upload screenshots, offender’s profile link, and a brief summary
2. At the Nearest Cyber Cell or Police Station
- Visit the cyber police with a written complaint and printed evidence
- Include your identity proof and contact details
- File an FIR under IPC and IT Act provisions
Police must register your complaint under Section 154 CrPC if a cognizable offense is made out.
Legal Protection and Court Relief
You can seek the following remedies through legal channels:
- Injunction: Court orders to block/remove the content from all platforms
- FIR and prosecution: Offenders can be punished under the IT Act and IPC
- Compensation: You can file a civil suit seeking monetary damages for mental trauma, harassment, and loss of reputation
- Facebook/Instagram: Use the in-app “Report” > “Sexual content” or “Revenge porn” option
- WhatsApp: Report and block the user, and email support@whatsapp.com with complaint details
- Twitter/X: Report tweet > “Involves intimate media shared without consent”
- Google: Use the Legal Help page to request removal from search results
- Porn websites: Most have “Report Abuse” or “DMCA Takedown” pages
