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Peace Legal Information: Making Law Simple for Every Citizen

Peace Legal Information: Making Law Simple for Every Citizen

Table of Contents Introduction — purpose & scope Why legal awareness matters Rights & Duties — equal and reciprocal Role of Police — how to cooperate Everyday laws to keep handy How to use the law to protect yourself Conclusion Introduction — purpose & scope Peace4.in brings plain-English legal information to every person living in or visiting India. This pinned page is a gateway: it explains the site's purpose, how to navigate topic clusters, and how the law can be used to prevent harm and resolve disputes through recognised legal channels. We focus only on Indian legal context and practical steps. Our aim is to increase legal literacy, encourage lawful behaviour, and support peaceful, constructive resolution of conflicts. ↑ Back to top Why legal awareness matters Legal knowledge empowers you to avoid common mistakes, make informed decisions, and access remed...
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What to Do If Your Private Photos or Videos Are Leaked Online

What to Do If Your Private Photos or Videos Are Leaked Online


Here is What to Do If Your Private Photos or Videos Are Leaked Online

Having your private photos or intimate videos leaked online is a terrifying and deeply violating experience. Whether the leak was due to hacking, blackmail, a toxic ex-partner, or an accidental upload, Indian law provides several ways for you to protect your dignity, seek justice, and get the content taken down swiftly.

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What to Do Immediately

  1. Do not panic — stay calm and act quickly.
  2. Take screenshots or record screen showing the leak.
  3. Copy the URL or post link (if on a website or social media).
  4. Report the content on the platform (Instagram, Facebook, Telegram, etc.)
  5. File a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in
  6. Visit the nearest cyber cell or police station for legal action.

Relevant Indian Laws That Protect You

There are strong provisions under both the Information Technology Act and the Indian Penal Code (IPC) to protect your privacy:

  • Section 66E, IT Act: Capturing, publishing, or transmitting images of private areas without consent. Punishable with up to 3 years imprisonment and fine.
  • Section 67A, IT Act: Publishing or transmitting sexually explicit content. Punishable with up to 5 years imprisonment.
  • IPC Section 354C: Voyeurism — watching or capturing a woman engaged in private act. Bailable only on first offence.
  • IPC Section 509: Word, gesture, or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman.
  • Right to Privacy: Recognized as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution.

How to File a Cybercrime Complaint

The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal provides an easy way to file:

  1. Go to cybercrime.gov.in and click on “Report Women/Child Related Crime”.
  2. Login via mobile number and submit details of the incident.
  3. Upload screenshots, URLs, or filenames as evidence.
  4. Also visit your local cyber cell with a written complaint.

Need help filing? Read: How to File a Cybercrime Complaint in India

How to Report to Social Media & Websites

Most platforms have a direct reporting mechanism:

  • Instagram/Facebook: Use “Report” option on the post → select “Sexual content” or “Revenge porn”.
  • Twitter: File via the Trust & Safety form.
  • Telegram: Report the channel or user and email dmca@telegram.org.
  • Porn sites: Many have takedown/Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) forms — use them to request immediate removal.

Request a removal under privacy violation, not copyright unless you filmed the content yourself.

Yes. The police can and should file an FIR under:

  • Section 66E / 67A of the IT Act
  • Sections 354C and 509 of IPC

If the police refuse to file an FIR, you can approach the Magistrate or file a complaint online. It is your legal right to report such crimes, even if the accused is unknown or abroad.

Evidence to Collect Before It’s Deleted

  • Screenshot of the leaked content
  • Screenshot showing uploader’s handle/profile
  • Webpage URL or social media post link
  • Email or phone number used to report it to platform
  • Acknowledgment of complaint from cyber portal

Preventive Tips Going Forward

  • Never share sensitive photos/videos digitally unless absolutely necessary
  • Use encrypted platforms if you must share
  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all devices
  • Do not store private content in cloud storage without encryption
  • If in a toxic relationship, take extra digital precautions

More Support & Resources

Back to Pillar Post: Cyber Law for the Everyday Indian

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Location: India