Abuse on social media what to do

588 votes

Listen my friend. Though I don't know to the exact abusive language you people have exchanged, but I would like to make you aware of that recently the High Court of Chhattisgarh opined that "Abusive Words Which Are Common In Nature And Words Of Common Colloquial Not Obscene" in Chhabil Yadav vs. The State of Chhattisgarh. But at the same time this does not mean that you are free to use slang to its highest peak because after all this also amounts to violence.
You held that the other person started threatening you in the name of your girl friend's pics, then in this regard please note that a suitable police diary is sufficient to prevent him. If at all he tamper with the pics, he will be charged under Section 67 and 67A of the IT Act prohibit the publication and distribution of obscene and sexually explicit material, In cases where your or your GF’s obscene photos are uploaded without consent, the accused is booked under different sections of the IT act and the Indian Penal Code(IPC).
Also a criminal defamation cases under section 500 and 506 of IPC can also be filed against him for the uploads.
Apart section 66e and 67a under the IT act also provide legal remedies under which you can charge him.
But for the time being, stop abusive passing game and communicate him of the dire consequences if he even dare to upload any of obscene.

Advocate Pradipta Nath LawRato

796 votes

From your message, it seems the offender is very well known to you. These days verbal assault using electronic messages have become very common as people are not aware that it amounts to criminal offence under the provision of the Information Technology Act, 2000 and subject to Indian Penal Code.

Since you already stated you both had an alteration and he had threatened and blackmailing you using your girlfriend’s pictures, you should do the following:-
1. Save all messages and other communications for evidence. Use the "print screen" or other keyboard functions to save screenshots.
2. Save all records of threats this includes any written or recorded threats, and logs of the date, time, and circumstances of verbal threats.
3. File a complaint with the offender's Internet service provider (ISP).
4. Keep detailed records of contact with ISP
5. Make a report to Facebook as they have processes in place for such situations. To know more about it go to link given below https://www.facebook.com/help/community/question/?id=10206169853943492
6. You should lodge written complaint with your local Cyber Crime Investigation Cell. To find out the address of the Cyber Crime Cell in your city visit the link below: http://www.infosecawareness.in/cyber-crime-cell
You can also lodge a complaint by sending an email at [email protected] or call at +919156111999 or Cybercrime helpline number +919968600000 .

The most effective course of action is to get in touch with your local lawyer to file a criminal proceeding u/s 506/292A/509 of IPC read with section 66A of IT Act, 2008.
• Sending offensive messages through communication service, etc Sec.66A
• Punishment for criminal intimidation Sec.506 IPC
• Printing etc. of grossly indecent or scurrilous matter or matter intended for blackmail Sec.292A IPC
• Word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman Sec.509 IPC

Remember the best protection against any cyberbullying is:-
• Don’t retaliate: Most bullies are looking for a reaction, so don't give them one.
• Document and save: If someone has posted something you don’t like, you can print or take a screenshot of it in case you need to lodge a complaint with the local authorities.

Disclaimer: Note that the foregoing is for general discussion purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice to any one person or company.

Advocate Robert D Rozario LawRato

386 votes

Abuse on social media is a concerning issue, and there are legal measures you can take if you are a victim of such abuse in India. Here's what you can do:

1. Document the Evidence: First, take screenshots or preserve any evidence of the abusive content. This includes abusive comments, messages, posts, or any other form of harassment on social media.
2. Report the Abuse: Most social media platforms have mechanisms for reporting abusive behavior. Use the platform's reporting system to report the abusive content and the user responsible for it.
3. Block the Offender: Block the person responsible for the abuse to prevent further communication or harassment.
4. Complain to the Cyber Cell: If the abuse continues or is severe, you can file a complaint with the Cyber Cell or Cyber Crime unit of your local police station. Provide them with the evidence you have collected.
5. Legal Action: Depending on the nature and severity of the abuse, legal action can be pursued. Relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Information Technology Act, 2000, may apply. For example, Section 66A of the IT Act deals with offensive messages sent through communication services, and Section 509 of the IPC addresses insulting the modesty of a woman.
6. Consult an Attorney: If you decide to pursue legal action, consult with a cybercrime attorney who can guide you through the legal process and help you understand your options.
7. Keep Records: Maintain a record of all interactions, including dates, times, and any communication with law enforcement or legal representatives.

It's essential to act promptly when facing abuse on social media and to follow the appropriate legal procedures. Additionally, online safety measures, such as adjusting privacy settings and being cautious about sharing personal information, can help reduce the risk of online harassment.

Advocate Chikirsha Mohanty LawRato