Understanding Cyberstalking: Risks, Signs, and Solutions

What is Cyberstalking?

Cyberstalking involves stalking or repeatedly harassing another person using electronic technologies. It includes sending offensive material, threats, defamation, identity theft, solicitation for sex, and false accusations through electronic media like email and social media platforms. Cyberstalkers can be familiar individuals or complete strangers, and their actions constitute a criminal offense.

Why Should We Be Concerned?

Cyberstalking can be not only disturbing and stressful but also dangerous, putting victims at risk of online or offline attacks by the stalker. It can lead to emotional, mental, and physical harm, making it crucial to address the issue promptly.

Warning Signs of Cyberstalking

• Frequent and multiple messages over time
• Posts with inappropriate content detailing your whereabouts or personal aspects
• Repeated emails and follows on social media accounts

How Cyberstalkers Harm Women

Cyberstalkers may:

• Impersonate your online identity to harm your reputation or relationships
• Access your social media accounts, learning personal information and changing passwords
• Track your location using GPS or spyware
• Use abusive language when commenting on your posts/photos
• Gather personal information by interacting with your family/friends/colleagues
• Blackmail you into sharing embarrassing photos/videos

Recognizing You're a Victim

You may be a victim if you notice:

• Someone frequently visiting your profile
• Abusive comments or messages on your posts/photos
• Requests for personal or sensitive information
• Demands for photos/videos of yourself

Safeguarding Yourself Against Cyberstalking

• Restrict privacy settings on social media to known friends and family
• Verify the authenticity of friend requests before accepting them
• Disable GPS when not in use to prevent location tracking
• Never share personal information/photos/videos with online friends
• Stay vigilant of anonymous comments and immediately block suspicious users
• Report any misbehavior or cyberstalking to social media platforms and law enforcement promptly

Avoiding Cyberstalking

• Exercise caution when interacting with online friends
• Avoid sharing personal information/photos/videos publicly
• Refrain from sharing your location in online activities
• Don't ignore anonymous behavior from online contacts
• Report any incidents of cyberstalking promptly

Taking Action Against Cyberstalking

• Register a complaint at your nearest cybercrime police station
• File an online complaint on cybercrime.gov.in

Legal Provisions Against Cyberstalking

• Indian Penal Code Section 354D: Defines stalking as an offense and applies to online communication without the recipient's interest.
• Information Technology Act, 2000 (amended in 2008): Sections 67 and 67A punish sending or posting obscene content online, with imprisonment and fines.
• Section 43A: Provides for damages by compensation for data protection breaches by corporations.