The internet, ever since its inception, has served as a double-edged sword. Its unparalleled ability to connect people globally and facilitate the sharing of lives, thoughts, and emotions creates myriad opportunities for positive interaction and innovation. However, it’s also a vast expanse where individuals are often targeted, threatened, and bullied fervently. While some dismiss these digital assaults as mere noise, others face severe mental health repercussions, among other grave issues.
In recent years, many public figures, including actors, actresses, and social media influencers, have found themselves at the receiving end of relentless trolling. A notable instance was when Deepika Padukone faced online bullying during her pregnancy. Similarly, after the BJP’s defeat in the Faizabad constituency during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, several individuals were harassed online for allegedly betraying “Hindus,” with some women even facing death threats.
While the nature of social media usage remains beyond our control, it is crucial to take definitive steps when confronted with trolling or threats. By doing so, we not only protect ourselves but also set a precedent for future conduct.
To better understand the legal remedies available for individuals receiving online threats, DNA conversed with Dr. Pavan Duggal, a Supreme Court Advocate and Cyberlaw expert. Dr. Duggal highlighted the disparity between the available resources and their utilization, noting that many victims do not come forward to register complaints. “You don’t have to stay silent. You must report and seek help,” he emphasized.
Dr. Duggal outlined a detailed, step-by-step protocol for dealing with online threats or cyberbullying:
**Step 1:** Complaints can be filed using the helpline number 1930 or through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal at https://cybercrime.gov.in/.
**Step 2:** Besides the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal, grievances can also be registered on the specific platform where the threat is encountered, such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X, etc.
**Step 3:** Victims of online threats can seek court-issued injunctions. An injunction serves as a legal remedy to prevent the perpetrator from continuing the wrongful act.
. Furthermore, victims can seek damages or compensation for reputational harm.
**Step 4:** Legal provisions like the Information Technology Act, 2000, serve as India’s foundational law for e-commerce promotion and cybercrime deterrence. Additionally, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, introduces stringent penalties for non-compliance to safeguard personal data.
Prompt action is crucial, especially for severe crimes involving explicit sexual content, where actions are often taken within 24 hours of filing a complaint. For other cases, complaints are reviewed within two weeks before resolution.
Dr. Duggal advises against engaging with online aggressors as it can exacerbate the situation. Instead, it’s essential to preserve all incriminating evidence, such as screenshots, tweets, or messages, securely on a laptop or hard disk.
**Step 5:** Communication is vital. Inform friends and family about the threats or unwanted messages to build a support system. Silence only obscures your victimization, but sharing your ordeal creates a ‘social net’ that can provide emotional and practical assistance.
Concluding his insightful discussion, Dr. Pavan Duggal remarked, “The internet is a dark place today. We must ensure we don’t partake in the ‘great Indian vomiting revolution,’ where people indiscriminately share personal, professional, or social data without considering the consequences. To mitigate the risk of cybercrime, share information on a need-to-know basis.”
Dr. Duggal’s expertise, accumulated over years of practice in the Supreme Court of India, encompasses Cyberlaw, Cybercrime Law, Cybersecurity Law, and Artificial Intelligence Law. His insights offer a crucial guide for navigating the treacherous waters of the digital realm.
As we continue to embrace the digital age, awareness and proactive measures are indispensable in safeguarding ourselves from cyber threats. The measures outlined by Dr. Duggal provide a well-defined pathway to combatting these modern challenges legally and effectively.
