What is Cyberstalking?

Cyberstalking is a crime committed when someone uses the internet and other technologies
to harass or stalk another person online. Even though cyberstalking is a broad term for
online harassment, it can include defamation, false accusations, teasing, and even extreme
threats. Often these connections will not end even though the receiver requests the person
to stop. The content addressed at the target is frequently improper and, at times, disturbing,
leaving the individual beginning to feel fear.

Types of Cyberstalking
The three most common types of cyber stalking are as follows:

Email stalking: This type of stalking involves the sender sending hateful, obscene, or
threatening emails to the recipient. Sometimes the attacker may also include viruses and
spam in the email.

Internet stalking: This type of stalking occurs when an individual spreads rumors or
tracks victims on the internet. The goal of spreading rumors is to slander the victim.

Computer stalking: This type of stalking occurs when an individual hacks into a victim’s
computer and takes control of it. This requires advanced computer skills; however, one can
find guidelines on the web.

Examples of Cyberstalking
Some of the common examples of cyberstalking are:

 Making rude, offensive, or suggestive online comments

 Joining the same groups and forums to follow the target online
 Sending the target threatening, controlling, or lewd messages or emails
 Making a fake social media profile to follow the victim
 Gaining access to the victim’s online accounts
 Posting or disseminating real or fictitious photos of the victim
 Attempting to obtain explicit photographs of the victim
 Tracking the victim’s online movements using tracking devices
 Mailing explicit photos of themselves to the victim on a regular basis, etc.

Consequences of Cyberstalking
Cyberstalking is similar to stalking in that it has negative consequences for victims, both
physically and mentally. Cyberstalking can have a wide variety of physical and emotional
consequences for all who are attacked. Victims report various severe consequences of
victimization, including increased suicidal ideation, fear, anger, depression, and PTSD
symptomatology.

How to prevent Cyberstalking?

To prevent yourself from being the victim of cyberstalking, you should follow these habits:

Hide your IP address: Numerous apps and services display your IP address to the person
you are interacting with. It might seem not very meaningful, but it is directly related to your
personal information. Your IP address, for example, is linked to your internet bill, delivered
to your home, and you pay for that using a credit card. Cyberstalkers can use your IP
address to find your credit card information and physical address.

Adjust privacy settings: One of the first steps you can take to adjust your privacy settings.
Most social media networks and other online accounts allow you to control who can see and
contact you.

Avoid disclosing sensitive information: Unexpectedly, many people share personal

information about themselves when filling out questionnaires or applying for coupons. This
increases the possibility of someone obtaining your personal information and possibly
making cyberstalking more accessible.
Update your software: When it comes to preventing information leaks, regular software
updates are critical. Developers keep on updating and creating new updates to address
security flaws and ensure the safety of your data.

Maintain a low profile: It can be difficult for some people to maintain a low profile online.
But you should always refrain from posting personal information such as your phone
number and address, and think twice before disclosing real-time information about where
you are and who you’re with.

How to deal with Cyberstalking?

Send a clear written message to the cyberstalker indicating that you do not want to be
contacted by them. Do not interact with the stalker after receiving a warning. If the
harassment continues, contact the police. Call a family member or friend for assistance if
you believe you are being tracked by spyware.

Check your devices for spyware or indications of compromised accounts, and change all
passwords. Block the person from your social media accounts using privacy settings, and
report the abuse to the network. Even if the attacker does not back down, call the police.

Difference between Cyberstalking and Cyberbullying

Cyberstalking occurs when a victim is harassed online via electronic channels, text
messaging, social networking sites, discussion forums, and so on for retaliation, anger, or
control. A stalker could be a stranger or a friend of the victim. When adults are involved, it
is referred to as cyberstalking.
Cyberbullying occurs when a child or a teenager is mistreated, disrespected, tormented,
intimidated, humiliated, or aimed at by another individual of the same age range via the
internet.

Laws in India against Cyberstalking

The following laws are available in India to deal with cyberstalking:

 Section 67 of the Information Technology Act of 2000: Penalises stalkers who

send or cause to be sent or published obscene posts or content on electronic
media with up to three years in prison and a fine.
 Section 67A of the Information Technology Act of 2000: Penalises anyone who
sends or causes to be sent or published in electronic media any material
containing sexually explicit acts or conduct. Up to five years in prison and a fine of
up to five lakh rupees are the penalties.
 Section 354D of the Indian Penal Code, 1860: Under this section, if a person
monitors a woman’s use of the internet, email, or any other form of electronic
communication, that person may face up to 3 years in prison as well as a fine. This
is a bailable offense for first-time offenders but not for repeat offenders.

If a woman is a victim of cyberstalking, she can file a complaint with any cybercrime unit,
regardless of where the incident occurred. Cyber cells are being established to address the
grievances of female victims.