What should I do if my photos are misused online?

Priya

What legal and practical steps should a person take in India if their personal photos are misused, shared, or circulated online without permission, and what remedies are available to protect their privacy and take action against the person responsible?

Aditi

If your photos are misused online in India without your permission, you should take immediate steps to protect your privacy and seek legal action.

Key points:

Save and preserve all evidence, including:
- Screenshots of the misuse
- Website or social media links
- Account details of the person who shared the photos
- Messages or threats related to the misuse
Report the content immediately to the relevant social media platform and request removal.
File a complaint with the cybercrime authorities through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or visit the nearest police station.
If the misuse involves threats, blackmail, harassment, or sharing private images, seek legal advice and take appropriate action under applicable cyber and criminal laws.
Avoid negotiating with or paying anyone who threatens you.
Secure your accounts by changing passwords and enabling privacy settings.