Understanding and Combating Online Hate Crimes

In today's digital age, online hate crimes are becoming increasingly prevalent. An online hate crime occurs when a post is motivated by extreme bias against a person’s race, religion, sex, disability, gender, or preferences. Although these posts may not always constitute a criminal offense, their impact can be severe and damaging.

Why Should We Be Concerned?

Online hate crimes can incite violence, spread misinformation, and create an atmosphere of intolerance. These posts are often strong, insensitive, and biased, leading to instigative and judgemental reactions that disturb social harmony.

Warning Signs

• Comments based on sex, religion, race, gender, etc.
• Physically threatening posts or comments
• Biased, judgemental, and strong reactive posts

How Can We Safeguard Ourselves Against Online Hate Crimes?

Preventing and mitigating the impact of online hate crimes requires awareness and proactive measures:

• Avoid Bias: Never post or support biased content online.
• Don’t Retaliate: Avoid reacting immediately to biased or controversial posts. Verify the authenticity before responding.
• Sensitivity: Be mindful of public perceptions when posting remarks on sensitive topics.
• Report: Report any hate speech or biased comments to the platform’s help center.

Actions to Take If Affected by Online Hate Crimes

If you are a victim of online hate crimes, take the following steps:

1. Report to Authorities: Register a complaint at your nearest cybercrime police station.
2. Online Reporting: File an anonymous complaint on cybercrime.gov.in.
3. Platform Reporting: Report the incident to the social media platform where the offense occurred.

Legal Provisions

Online hate crimes can attract various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC):

• Section 153A: Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and acts prejudicial to maintaining harmony.

  • Punishment: Imprisonment up to three years, with fine, or both.

• Section 295(A): Deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings.

  • Punishment: Imprisonment up to three years, with fine, or both.

• Section 505: Statements conducing to public mischief.

  • Punishment varies based on the nature of the offense.

• Section 509: Word, gesture, or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman.

  • Punishment: Imprisonment up to one year, with fine, or both.