Social media harassment is increasing rapidly in India. Abusive messages, threats, fake profiles, morphed images, stalking, and repeated unwanted contact are criminal offences, not “normal online behavior”.
If someone is harassing you on social media, act immediately and legally.
What Is Social Media Harassment?
Social media harassment includes:
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Abusive or threatening messages
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Repeated unwanted DMs or comments
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Sexual harassment or obscene content
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Fake accounts created to defame or stalk
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Sharing morphed photos or private videos
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Blackmail or extortion through social platforms
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Impersonation using your name or photos
Step 1: Do NOT Respond or Engage
Never reply angrily or emotionally.
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Responding may escalate harassment
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Harassers often delete messages later
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Silence strengthens your legal case
Step 2: Collect & Preserve Digital Evidence (Most Important)
Immediately save:
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Screenshots of messages, comments, profiles
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URLs of posts and profiles
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Date, time, and platform details
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Usernames and user IDs
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Any threatening or abusive content
⚠ Do not edit screenshots – courts need original evidence.
Step 3: Block and Report the Account on the Platform
Use in-app reporting tools:
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Instagram / Facebook → Report → Harassment / Hate / Threat
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WhatsApp → Report chat & block
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X (Twitter) → Report abusive behavior
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YouTube → Report harassment / cyberbullying
Social media platforms often suspend or delete accounts based on reports.
Step 4: File a Complaint on Cyber Crime Portal (India)
Online Method:
Choose:
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“Women / Child Related Crime” (if applicable)
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“Other Cyber Crime” → Social Media Harassment
Upload:
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Screenshots
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Profile links
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Description of harassment
You will receive an Acknowledgement Number.
Step 5: Lodge FIR at Nearest Police Station (Very Important)
You can file FIR under:
Applicable Laws in India
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IPC 354D – Cyber stalking
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IPC 509 – Insult to modesty of a woman
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IPC 504/506 – Criminal intimidation
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IPC 499/500 – Defamation
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IT Act 66C – Identity theft
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IT Act 66D – Online cheating / impersonation
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IT Act 67 – Obscene content online
📌 Police cannot refuse FIR for cognizable offences.
Step 6: If Police Do Not Act – Legal Remedy
If police delay or refuse:
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Send written complaint to SP / DCP
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File complaint under Section 156(3) CrPC before Magistrate
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File Writ Petition under Article 226 (serious cases)
Step 7: Special Protection for Women & Children
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Women can file complaints online & anonymously
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No need to visit police station initially
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Child harassment cases are taken under POCSO Act
Step 8: Do Not Pay Blackmailers (Very Important)
If someone threatens to leak photos or chats:
❌ Do not pay
❌ Do not negotiate
❌ Do not delete evidence
✔ Immediately approach Cyber Cell
✔ Such acts attract serious jail terms
Can Police Track Fake Accounts?
✅ YES.
Police can trace:
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IP address
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Device details
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Login history
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Linked phone numbers & emails
Fake profile ≠ anonymous.
Punishment for Social Media Harassment
Depending on offence:
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Imprisonment up to 3–7 years
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Heavy fines
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Account seizure
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Permanent criminal record
Important Safety Tips
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Keep profiles private
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Avoid sharing phone numbers publicly
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Enable two-factor authentication
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Do not accept unknown friend requests
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Regularly review privacy settings
Social media harassment is a serious crime, not something to ignore.
Indian law strongly protects victims, and cyber cells are empowered to act swiftly.
If you are facing harassment:
👉 Document → Report → File Complaint → Take Legal Action
Disclaimer
This article is for legal awareness only. This content is purely for educational and informational purposes. It is not a promotion, advertisement, or solicitation. The information is for public awareness only. Cybercrime procedures and outcomes depend on the facts of each case. Remedies depend on facts and jurisdiction. Consult a qualified cyber crime advocate for case-specific advice.