Understanding and Preventing Morphing: Safeguarding Your Online Identity

Morphing is the act of altering or changing a person's pictures using online tools, often leading to severe consequences for the victims, predominantly young girls and women. Online criminals misuse these altered images for blackmail, creating fake profiles, sexting, and even generating pornographic content. It's a form of cyber exploitation that can have devastating impacts on the victim's mental and emotional well-being.

Why Should We Be Concerned?

Morphing not only damages your online reputation but also subjects you to emotional trauma and potential threats from perpetrators who may blackmail you. The societal stigma associated with morphed images can further exacerbate the victim's distress, making it crucial to understand how to safeguard against such offenses.

How Can We Safeguard Ourselves Against Morphing?

1. Enable Security and Privacy Features: Ensure your social media accounts have strong privacy settings.
2. Avoid Sharing Personal Pictures Publicly: Refrain from posting personal photos online without restrictions.
3. Use Watermarks: Watermark your images before sharing them online to deter unauthorized use.
4. Two-Factor Authentication: Protect your accounts with strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
5. Save Evidence: If you suspect your images have been altered, take screenshots and save all evidence.
6. Seek Help: Don’t suffer in silence. Reach out to trusted family and friends for support.
7. Report Objectionable Content: If you find a fake profile or objectionable post, report it to the social media help center immediately.

What to Do If You Are Affected by Morphing?

1. Register a Complaint: Visit your nearest cybercrime police station or file a complaint online at cybercrime.gov.in. You can register complaints anonymously.
2. Report to Social Media Platforms: Notify the help center of the social media platform where the incident occurred.
3. Understand the Legal Framework: Familiarize yourself with the relevant laws and sections under the IT Act and Indian Penal Code to know your rights and the possible legal recourses.

Relevant Legal Provisions

• IT Act, 2000 (Amended in 2008):

  • Section 66E: Punishment for violation of privacy.
  • Section 67: Punishment for publishing obscene material in electronic form.
  • Section 67A: Punishment for publishing material containing sexually explicit acts.
  • Section 67B: Punishment for publishing material depicting children in sexually explicit acts.

• Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012:

  • Sections 14 and 15: Punishments for child pornography.

• Indian Penal Code:

  • Section 354D: Stalking.
  • Sections 463, 465, and 471: Forgery.
  • Section 509: Insulting the modesty of a woman.
  • Sections 499 and 500: Defamation.

These laws provide a framework for punishing offenders and protecting victims, emphasizing the importance of reporting and seeking justice.

Final Thoughts

Morphing is a serious cyber offense that infringes on an individual's privacy and dignity. By understanding the risks and taking proactive measures, we can protect ourselves and stand against cyber exploitation.