Don't Panic, Don't Stay Silent: Lucknow's Guide to Privacy Breaches
When private photos or videos are leaked online, the experience can be deeply distressing. Recognizing this, Lucknow Police, as part of 'Operation Digital Kavach,' have issued a clear message: do not panic, and do not stay quiet. Victims should file a complaint promptly. The advisory was issued on October 28 as cybercrime cases continue to rise.
The police say the advice applies when intimate images or videos are shared on social media or other online platforms without consent, when they go viral, or when they are used to blackmail someone. In such situations, police urge victims to act rather than withdraw.
According to officials, fear of social judgment, family backlash, and damage to reputation often prevents victims from coming forward. Police believe this silence allows offenders to continue their activities. Lucknow Police have stated that victims are not responsible for such incidents and should feel free to seek legal help.
A practical first step is to secure digital evidence. This includes saving the relevant posts, URLs, profile links, screenshots, chats, and threatening messages. Victims should avoid forwarding or sharing the content, even to friends or family.
Police have also cautioned that yielding to threats, especially demands for money or other favours, rarely ends the problem. Any threat to make images or videos viral should be reported to police immediately.
To get content taken down, victims can report the post, video, or account to the relevant social media platform. They should also file a complaint at the nearest police station or the cyber crime police station.
For online reporting, victims can use the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP), a central government platform. After submitting a complaint, they should note the reference number, which can be used to check the status of the case.
In certain cases involving women and children, preliminary information can be provided on the NCRP portal without disclosing identity. Police, however, noted that this facility does not cover all cybercrimes.
Victims were also informed about StopNCII, a free online tool that helps prevent the spread of private images and videos shared without consent. Police stressed that the tool is not an alternative to filing a police complaint but a supplementary measure to curb further circulation.
Those who leak, distribute, or use private photos or videos for blackmail may be prosecuted under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. Depending on the nature of the offence, convicted persons may face jail terms and fines. Cases involving blackmail, threats, stalking, or extortion may invite additional sections.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Kiran Yadav said that victims whose private images or videos are made viral without consent, or who are blackmailed through them, should not be afraid or silent. She added that the fault does not lie with the victim and that the law provides assistance and protection. Police have urged citizens to remain aware and vigilant against cybercrime.