By: Joya Saikia
In today’s digital era, the internet serves as a vital resource for communication, education, and empowerment. Yet, for many women, it also presents significant risks, as cyber harassment and online abuse have become pervasive threats. In India, the rapid growth of digital platforms has unfortunately coincided with a troubling rise in gender-based violence online. Recent trends highlight the emergence of more subtle and harmful forms of harassment that urgently need to be addressed. Although India’s legal framework has taken steps to combat cyber harassment, much work remains to be done to ensure women’s safety in the digital realm.
The Information Technology Act of 2000, along with the Indian Penal Code (IPC), forms the legal backbone for tackling cybercrimes, including harassment. However, the enforcement of these laws is frequently uneven, and the current regulations fall short of addressing the complexities of emerging forms of cyber harassment, such as deepfakes and abuse within gaming communities. Additionally, the procedures for reporting and prosecuting these offenses are often slow and burdensome, making it challenging for victims to seek justice.
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Victims frequently encounter numerous obstacles, such as limited knowledge of their rights, social stigma, and indifferent law enforcement. The global reach of the internet adds another layer of complexity, allowing offenders to escape legal repercussions by operating across various jurisdictions.
The expanding tentacles of cyber harassment: The reach of cyber harassment in India is growing, with offenders adopting more advanced tactics to victimize women. While traditional forms of online abuse—like stalking, trolling, and doxxing—continue to be widespread, the emergence of new technologies has brought about even more severe dangers, such as the misuse of deepfake technology.
Deepfakes are incredibly realistic, digitally altered videos or images that can falsely depict someone doing or saying things they never actually did. Recently, this technology has been weaponized against women, with offenders creating and distributing deepfake pornography without the victims’ consent. This type of cyber harassment is particularly harmful, as it not only invades the victim’s privacy but also severely damages their reputation, leading to profound emotional and psychological distress. In 2020, India experienced a sharp rise in deepfake-related crimes, with many women falling victim to fabricated explicit videos circulating on social media. The challenge of disproving the authenticity of these videos further complicates the situation, leaving victims with few legal options. Although Sections 66E and 67A of the Information Technology Act of 2000 address the transmission of obscene material and privacy violations, the law struggles to keep pace with the rapid evolution of deepfake technology, and enforcement remains a significant hurdle.
Harassment on online gaming platforms: Another alarming trend is the increasing cyber harassment on online gaming platforms. Once seen as spaces for entertainment and social interaction, these platforms have become breeding grounds for toxic behavior and online abuse. Female gamers, in particular, are often targets of sexual harassment, including rape threats and abusive language, frequently from anonymous players. In India, the rapid growth of the gaming community has not been matched by specific laws addressing harassment on these platforms. This regulatory gap leaves many women exposed to abuse, with few options for protection or seeking justice.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has recognized the problem, but more robust policies and industry standards are essential to address this growing threat. Tech companies, including social media and gaming platforms, have a critical role in protecting users from online abuse. Although major social media platforms have established anti-harassment policies, enforcement is often inconsistent, allowing harmful content to spread. The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, introduced by the Indian government, aim to increase accountability by requiring platforms to remove unlawful content and protect user privacy. However, the effectiveness of these guidelines is still uncertain, as the vast amount of content and the constantly evolving nature of cyber threats pose considerable challenges. Online gaming platforms, in particular, must enforce stricter community guidelines and improve reporting mechanisms to curb harassment and abuse. Developers and platform operators need to prioritize user safety by implementing strong systems to detect and address incidents of online harassment effectively.
Empowering women digitally: Equipping women with the skills to protect themselves online is vital in the fight against cyber harassment. Digital literacy initiatives that educate women on safeguarding their privacy, identifying and reporting abuse, and navigating online environments safely are critical components of this effort.
Initiatives like Cyber Saathi and She: ThePeople Programs such as Cyber Saathi and She are making significant progress by offering resources and educational opportunities to women throughout India. Support networks and helplines are also crucial in this effort. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has introduced several initiatives, including a 24/7 helpline, to help women dealing with online abuse. Nevertheless, a key challenge is ensuring these resources reach all women, especially those in rural and remote regions.
Global collaboration and community Initiatives: Combating cyber harassment necessitates international cooperation, given that online abuse frequently crosses national boundaries. While India’s involvement in global discussions on cybercrime is important, there is a need for stronger collaboration with other nations and international organizations to effectively tackle cross-border cyber harassment.
Community-driven efforts play a crucial role in addressing cyber harassment. Movements such as #MeToo and #GirlsAtDhabas highlight the impact of collective action in raising awareness and pushing for change. Local initiatives, including workshops, community discussions, and advocacy campaigns, are essential for fostering safer digital environments for women.
Looking ahead: The digital era brings vast opportunities for women, but it also introduces considerable risks. Safeguarding women’s rights in the online world demands a united effort from all parties involved—governments, tech companies, civil society, and individuals alike.
By tackling the emerging threats of cyber harassment, such as deepfakes and abuse on gaming platforms, we can work towards a safer and more inclusive digital space that allows women to fully engage in all areas of society. Balancing the protection of women’s rights with the need to uphold free speech will be a significant challenge in the future. However, through a holistic strategy involving legal reforms, tech accountability, education, and community support, we can make meaningful progress in safeguarding women’s rights in the digital age. (The writer can be reached at joyasaikia1990@gmail.com)
