Online Digital Violence: Becoming a Virtual Target

 “Hello there! I’m here to provide you with a bit of information on what online digital violence is, its various facets, and the Indian laws relevant to this abuse. What you, as a survivor, are experiencing, post confronting a traumatic experience is normal. What you, as a bystander, are going through while supporting a survivor is absolutely okay and typical too!  If you need additional resources or just someone to talk to, feel free to reach out to The Neeti Project."

Written By: Pranati Palanivel

What is digital violence?

Digital violence is defined as using technology to purposely insult, frighten, humiliate or hurt a person. It occurs more often amongst teens and youngsters who are more tech savvy but can also occur amongst people of all age groups (Joyfulheartfoundation, 2018).

What Does Digital Violence Look Like? (Joyfulheartfoundation, 2018)

• Threatening or Insulting you by commenting or messaging on social media. 

• Asking for or sending you sexually explicit images without your consent. 

• Capturing photos of you or sharing pictures of you on social media or to others without your consent. 

• Demanding you for an instant reply to online messages and making you feel unsafe if you do not engage.

• Taking control over your digital presence and impersonating you online. 

     

What is Digital Gender-Based Violence? 

Online gender based violence is harassment and violence online, targeted at a group or individual specifically because of their gender. Individuals who identify as cisgender women are disproportionately affected by this. Other groups who are largely affected include the LGBTQIA community. 

          Online gender based violence includes:    

• Online domestic violence: Exposing or threatening to expose a partner’s intimate images or information to assert power over their partner. 

• Cyberstalking: 26% of women aged 18-24 have reported to being stalked on the Internet or on social media

Online gender-based violence arises from prejudice against women in the offline world and discriminative cultural norms followed by society for decades. Acceptance and normalization of various forms of violence against women in the offline world has to led to online gender based violence (Wikimedia Foundation, 2022).

What are the Laws in India Against Digital Violence?  (Matta, 2020)

• Section 354D of the IPC deals with all forms of stalking, including online stalking.

• Section 499 of the IPC includes defamation on social media.

• Under section 345A of the IPC posting vulgar comments and posting or messaging obscene images of a woman are imprisonable offences. 

• Section 507 of the IPC states that any individual who intentionally threatens women anonymously (online) could be punished with imprisonment. 

      

What are the legal steps I can take if I face any forms of digital violence?

Filing a complaint against the suspect is the first legal step you can take. To lodge a complaint against the suspect , the three places you can approach in any city within India are (Matta, 2020):

1. Cyber cells: Established to protect victims of cybercrime. If the locality you reside does not have a cyber cell, you can file an FIR at a local police station.

2. The National Commission for Women: This organization helps victims of digital harassment engage with the police. The National Commission for Women is responsible for arranging an inquiry committee involved in conducting an investigation by collecting evidence, conducting spot inquiries and by summoning the accused.

3. Reporting on social media websites: If both of the above options are difficult to pursue, reporting through social media websites is also an option for you. Most social media websites have the option of reporting a crime that took place on their website. Under the IT rules 2011, they are obliged to take action within 36 hours of reporting, to stop the offensive content from escalating on their website. 

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References

Joyfulheartfoundation.org. (2018, August 23). What is digital abuse? Signs to watch for and how to get help. Retrieved August 26, 2022, from https://www.joyfulheartfoundation.org/blog/digital-abuse-signs-and-help 

Matta, A. (2020, February 14). Know your rights: Online harassment. The Swaddle. Retrieved August 26, 2022, from https://theswaddle.com/know-your-rights-protection-against-online-harassment/ 

Wikimedia Foundation. (2022, August 19). Online gender-based violence. Wikipedia. Retrieved August 26, 2022, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_gender-based_violence