Cyberstalking and Cyber Law
1. What is Cyberstalking?
Cyberstalking refers to using the Internet to monitor, stalk or harass another person.
Some examples of cyberstalking are sending lewd messages, excessively tagging victims or liking all their posts, blackmailing them or sending unwanted gifts.
Due to anonymity on the Internet, cyberstalking is far easier to carry out and far harder to detect than its offline counterpart.
It also makes victims less likely to report and seek help.
2. Real-Life Story
In 2022, a man downloaded photos of a teenage girl from her Instagram account and morphed them. He then began sending these to her along with threatening messages.
When the girl’s father found out, he reported it to the police and the man was arrested.
3. Victims are Made to Feel
✅ Extremely unsafe and uneasy ✅ Unsure of what exactly is happening due to the anonymity ✅ Helpless and hesitant to approach others
4. Our Secret Tips
✅ Share: Don’t hesitate to tell people if you even suspect that you’re being stalked online. ✅ Save:Take screenshots or recordings of all the evidence. ✅ Safety: Explore the security settings of the social media apps you use and take advantage of them.
5. Cyber Law in Action
Sections of the BNS that may apply:
✅ Section 77: Voyeurism ✅ Section 78: Stalking. ✅ Section 79: Outraging the modesty of a woman
Sections of the IT Act that may apply:
✅ Section 67:Transmitting obscene materials in electronic form ✅ Section 66E: Violation of privacy
