What Is Cyber Stalking

With the rapid growth of digital communication, cyber stalking has emerged as a serious cyber crime affecting individuals across age groups and professions. Unlike physical stalking, cyber stalking occurs through electronic means and often remains unnoticed until it causes emotional, psychological, or legal harm. This blog explains what cyber stalking is, how the law defines it, warning signs, safety tips, and remedies available for victims. What Is Cyber Stalking? Cyber stalking is the use of electronic communication by a person to: Follow another person online Attempt repeated contact to foster personal interaction despite clear disinterest Monitor internet activity, emails, social media, or other electronic communication Such repeated and unwanted digital behavior constitutes the offence of stalking when it causes fear, distress, or harassment to the victim. Cyber stalking is repeated, unwanted online contact or monitoring of a person through digital platforms despite clear refusal or lack of consent. साइबर स्टॉकिंग का अर्थ है किसी व्यक्ति द्वारा इलेक्ट्रॉनिक माध्यमों (जैसे इंटरनेट, ई-मेल, सोशल मीडिया, मैसेजिंग ऐप्स आदि) का उपयोग करके किसी दूसरे व्यक्ति का लगातार पीछा करना, निगरानी करना या उससे बार-बार संपर्क करने की कोशिश करना, जबकि सामने वाला व्यक्ति स्पष्ट रूप से अपनी असहमति या रुचि न होने का संकेत दे चुका हो। इसमें निम्न कृत्य शामिल हो सकते हैं— बार-बार कॉल, मैसेज, ई-मेल या सोशल मीडिया पर संपर्क करना फर्जी प्रोफाइल बनाकर किसी व्यक्ति पर नजर रखना किसी की ऑनलाइन गतिविधियों, ई-मेल या सोशल मीडिया अकाउंट की निगरानी करना डराने, धमकाने या मानसिक रूप से परेशान करने के उद्देश्य से लगातार संपर्क बनाए रखना इस प्रकार का कृत्य साइबर स्टॉकिंग कहलाता है और यह कानूनन अपराध है। भारत में ऐसे मामलों में संबंधित आईटी कानून और आपराधिक कानूनों के अंतर्गत कार्रवाई की जाती है। Common Forms of Cyber Stalking Cyber stalking may occur through: Repeated emails, messages, or calls Constant monitoring of social media activity Sending threats or intimidating messages Creating fake profiles to track or harass Online surveillance through hacked accounts Posting personal information without consent Tracking online movements or interactions Who Can Be a Victim of Cyber Stalking? Cyber stalking can affect: Women and men Teenagers and students Working professionals Public figures Victims of previous relationships Anyone active online can become a target. Legal Definition and Cyber Stalking as an Offence Cyber stalking is recognized as a criminal offence when it involves: Repeated unwanted contact Clear indication of disinterest by the victim Monitoring of electronic communication Threats, harassment, or intimidation Depending on the nature of the act, cyber stalking may attract criminal and cyber law provisions related to harassment, privacy violation, intimidation, and misuse of electronic communication. Warning Signs of Cyber Stalking Some common indicators include: Persistent messages after blocking Multiple fake accounts contacting you Someone knowing private details without consent Monitoring comments, likes, or online status Threats if communication is refused Recognizing early signs helps prevent escalation. What to Do If You Are a Victim of Cyber Stalking 1. Do Not Engage or Respond Responding may encourage further stalking. Avoid emotional replies. 2. Preserve All Digital Evidence Save: Screenshots of messages Call logs and emails Profile links and usernames Dates and time stamps Evidence is crucial for legal action. 3. Strengthen Digital Privacy Change passwords immediately Enable two-factor authentication Make social media profiles private Remove personal information from public view 4. Block and Report the Stalker Use in-app reporting and blocking features on social media and email platforms. 5. Inform Trusted People Tell family members or friends so you are not dealing with the issue alone. 6. Report to Cyber Authorities Serious or continuous stalking should be reported through the official cybercrime reporting mechanism. 7. Seek Legal Guidance A cyber crime lawyer can guide victims on: Filing proper complaints Protecting digital rights Preventing further harassment Safety Tips to Prevent Cyber Stalking (Shared for awareness by Advocate Deepak, Cyber Crime Lawyer) Avoid oversharing personal information online Do not accept unknown friend requests Use strong, unique passwords for each account Review privacy settings regularly Avoid sharing real-time location publicly Be cautious while engaging with strangers online According to Advocate Deepak, early awareness and timely action are the most effective ways to stop cyber stalking before it escalates into serious harm. Legal Remedies Available for Cyber Stalking Victims Victims of cyber stalking may seek: Filing a cyber crime complaint Requesting platform-level account takedown Legal notices to restrain the offender Protection of identity and digital privacy Court-based relief depending on severity Timely legal action helps prevent repetition and ensures safety. Frequently Asked Questions? Q1: Is cyber stalking a crime even without physical contact? Yes. Repeated online monitoring or contact itself can be a criminal offence. Q2: Can cyber stalking happen after blocking someone? Yes. Stalkers often use fake accounts or alternate platforms. Q3: Should I delete messages from a cyber stalker? No. Preserve them as evidence before taking action. Q4: Is cyber stalking limited to social media? No. It can occur through emails, calls, messaging apps, and online platforms. Q5: Can legal action stop cyber stalking? Yes. Proper reporting and legal steps can restrain and penalize offenders. Importance of Awareness and Timely Action Cyber stalking often starts silently but can escalate rapidly. Victims should never ignore repeated unwanted digital behavior. Awareness, documentation, and timely reporting are key to stopping cyber stalking effectively. Disclaimer This content is purely for educational and informational purposes. It is not a promotion, advertisement, or solicitation. The information is intended for public awareness only. If you are a victim of cyber stalking or any cyber offence, report the matter immediately through the official cybercrime reporting mechanism or seek appropriate legal assistance.