What to Do If Someone Is Harassing You on Social Media ?
Social media harassment is increasing rapidly in India. Abusive messages, threats, fake profiles, morphed images, stalking, and repeated unwanted contact are criminal offences, not тАЬnormal online behaviorтАЭ. If someone is harassing you on social media, act immediately and legally. What Is Social Media Harassment? Social media harassment includes: Abusive or threatening messages Repeated unwanted DMs or comments Sexual harassment or obscene content Fake accounts created to defame or stalk Sharing morphed photos or private videos Blackmail or extortion through social platforms Impersonation using your name or photos Step 1: Do NOT Respond or Engage Never reply angrily or emotionally. Responding may escalate harassment Harassers often delete messages later Silence strengthens your legal case Step 2: Collect & Preserve Digital Evidence (Most Important) Immediately save: Screenshots of messages, comments, profiles URLs of posts and profiles Date, time, and platform details Usernames and user IDs Any threatening or abusive content тЪа Do not edit screenshots тАУ courts need original evidence. Step 3: Block and Report the Account on the Platform Use in-app reporting tools: Instagram / Facebook тЖТ Report тЖТ Harassment / Hate / Threat WhatsApp тЖТ Report chat & block X (Twitter) тЖТ Report abusive behavior YouTube тЖТ 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: ЁЯСЙ https://cybercrime.gov.in Choose: тАЬWomen / Child Related CrimeтАЭ (if applicable) тАЬOther Cyber CrimeтАЭ тЖТ Social Media Harassment Upload: Screenshots Profile links 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 IPC 354D тАУ Cyber stalking IPC 509 тАУ Insult to modesty of a woman IPC 504/506 тАУ Criminal intimidation IPC 499/500 тАУ Defamation IT Act 66C тАУ Identity theft IT Act 66D тАУ Online cheating / impersonation IT Act 67 тАУ Obscene content online ЁЯУМ Police cannot refuse FIR for cognizable offences. Step 6: If Police Do Not Act тАУ Legal Remedy If police delay or refuse: Send written complaint to SP / DCP File complaint under Section 156(3) CrPC before Magistrate File Writ Petition under Article 226 (serious cases) Step 7: Special Protection for Women & Children Women can file complaints online & anonymously No need to visit police station initially Child harassment cases are taken under POCSO Act Step 8: Do Not Pay Blackmailers (Very Important) If someone threatens to leak photos or chats: тЭМ Do not payтЭМ Do not negotiateтЭМ Do not delete evidence тЬФ Immediately approach Cyber CellтЬФ Such acts attract serious jail terms Can Police Track Fake Accounts? тЬЕ YES. Police can trace: IP address Device details Login history Linked phone numbers & emails Fake profile тЙа anonymous. Punishment for Social Media Harassment Depending on offence: Imprisonment up to 3тАУ7 years Heavy fines Account seizure Permanent criminal record Important Safety Tips Keep profiles private Avoid sharing phone numbers publicly Enable two-factor authentication Do not accept unknown friend requests 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: ЁЯСЙ Document тЖТ Report тЖТ File Complaint тЖТ 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.




