Once in a while, news pops up about certain celebrities being hacked and their most intimate pictures leaked. If you think it’s a one of a kind thing that only happens with famous people, think again. It is no secret that technology has become a vital part of our work life and as we get more comfortable with it, we allow it to overrun our personal lives too
We are all living in a completely digital world. Increased use of the internet is giving rise to cybercrime such as cyberbullying, ransom attacks, illegal pornography, sextortion. Today, sextortion and blackmailing comes in the list of ‘top cyber-crime on the Internet’.
– Physically (such as showing people images contained on your camera, phone, tablet or computer) – Electronically (online, email, social media, text message)
Provisions Related To Blackmailing Under The Indian Penal Code, 1860 If someone is threatening to share intimate pictures of you then it’s a form of criminal intimidation, which is defined under Section 503 of the Indian Penal Code. Criminal intimidation can result in a sentence of either type of jail, which can last up to two years or a fine, or a combination of the two.
1. One thing to always keep in mind is to keep a record of their communication. 2. Write down as much information as you can about the threat or multiple threats. 3. If they have threatened you over text, make sure to take screenshots as evidence. 4. Do not delete the messages/call recordings. 5. These messages and recordings are important sources of evidence. By deleting these messages, you are destroying evidence.
If someone shares an intimate picture of you online without your consent, you can report it to the online service it was posted on. For example, you can use the “report” button on Facebook photos and videos. Take Legal Action Threatening someone is a form of harassment, which is a crime. You can report it to the nearest cyber cell, and they will guide you through the process.