Your Rights
Indian law protects you online. Here's what the law says, how to report, and who to call for help.
IT Act β key sections that protect women +
The Information Technology Act, 2000 (and its 2008 amendments) is India's main law covering online offences. Here are the sections most relevant to women's safety:
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Section 66E β Violation of Privacy:
Capturing or publishing private images of a person without their consent. Punishment: up to 3 years in prison and/or βΉ2 lakh fine. This includes secretly filming someone in a private space. -
Section 66C β Identity Theft:
Using someone else's electronic identity (email, password, digital signature) fraudulently. Punishment: up to 3 years and βΉ1 lakh fine. -
Section 67 β Publishing Obscene Material:
Publishing or transmitting obscene content online. Punishment: up to 3 years and βΉ5 lakh for first offence; 5 years for repeat. -
Section 67A β Publishing Sexually Explicit Material:
Publishing explicit sexual content online. Punishment: up to 5 years and βΉ10 lakh fine for first offence. -
Section 67B β Child Pornography:
Publishing or possessing child sexual abuse material. Punishment: up to 5 years and βΉ10 lakh for first offence; 7 years for repeat.
How to file a cybercrime complaint β step by step +
You can file a cybercrime complaint in India online β you do not need a lawyer, and you can do it anonymously for certain types of crimes.
Step 1: Gather your evidence
- Take screenshots of the offensive content, abusive messages, or threat β with the date visible
- Note down the URLs (website links) of any offensive content
- Save any names, usernames, phone numbers, or email addresses of the person harassing you
Step 2: Report online
- Go to cybercrime.gov.in β India's National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
- Click "Report Cyber Crime".
- For sexual abuse content (non-consensual photos/videos), choose "Report Anonymous" β you do not need to give your name.
- For other cybercrimes (harassment, fraud, threats), click "Report Other Cyber Crime" and register/login.
- Fill in the form with your evidence. Submit. You will receive an acknowledgement number β keep this safe.
Step 3: If you want to escalate
- Visit your nearest police station and ask to speak with the cybercrime cell. Show your evidence on your phone or a printout.
- All major cities have dedicated Cyber Crime Police Stations. Mumbai: 022-26570485. Delhi: 011-23490324. Bangalore: 080-22942525.
Helplines β who to call for support +
π Crisis & Emergency
Women's Helpline (National)
24/7 emergency support for women facing violence, threats, or harassment anywhere in India.
π 181 (Free, 24/7)
Police Emergency
Immediate emergency response. For threats, stalking, or any situation involving physical danger.
π 100 (Police) / 112 (All emergencies)
Cyber Crime Helpline
India's national cyber crime helpline for guidance on reporting online abuse, fraud, and threats.
π 1930 (Cyber Crime)
Childline
For children or adults concerned about a child's safety β online abuse, grooming, or exploitation.
π 1098 (Free, 24/7)
ποΈ Reporting & Complaints
National Cyber Crime Portal
Report all forms of cybercrime β harassment, fraud, image abuse, stalking. File anonymously for sexual content.
National Commission for Women (NCW)
File complaints of violence, harassment, or rights violations against women. Online complaint system available.
Cyber Dost (MHA)
Ministry of Home Affairs initiative for cyber safety awareness and reporting. Active on social media with updates on new scams.
UIDAI (Aadhaar Helpline)
Report Aadhaar misuse, request biometric lock, or check authentication history.
π 1947 (Toll-free)
Takedown Resource Kit
A centralized directory of direct takedown links for reporting abuse, harassment, and deepfakes across all major social media platforms.
π§ Mental Health Support
iCall (TISS)
Free psychological counselling for trauma from harassment or abuse. Trained in tech-facilitated abuse. MonβSat, 8amβ10pm.
π 9152987821
Vandrevala Foundation
Free 24/7 mental health helpline. Supports crisis situations, trauma, and emotional distress.
π 1860-2662-345 (24/7)
iCall Email Support
Prefer to write? Email-based counselling for those who can't speak freely on the phone.
βοΈ Legal Aid & Digital Rights NGOs
iDream Helpline (IT for Change)
Technology and gender rights research and advocacy. Supports survivors of tech-facilitated gender-based violence.
Internet Freedom Foundation
Digital rights organisation. Tracks cyber laws, online censorship, and privacy issues in India. Useful for legal awareness.
Point of View
Mumbai-based NGO working on gender and sexuality including digital safety. Provides support and advocacy for survivors.
Majlis Law (Mumbai)
Free legal aid for women facing domestic violence, cybercrime, and rights violations. Experienced in IT Act cases.
Need to remove non-consensual content? (Crisis steps) +
If someone has posted intimate or private images/videos of you online without your consent, this is a serious violation β and platforms are legally required to remove it quickly.
For detailed, platform-by-platform takedown guides (Google, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, Reddit, X/Twitter, pornographic sites), please visit the Takedown Resource Kit β a dedicated, free resource built specifically for this situation:
The kit includes: template letters, reporting links, evidence-saving instructions, legal rights summaries, and mental health support links β all in one place.