Sexual Harassment on WhatsApp

Sexual Harassment on WhatsApp

WhatsApp can be used for repeated unwanted sexual communications, obscene messages, threats, blackmail, harassment or sharing of private material. Preserve the conversation and account details before taking further action.

Preserve WhatsApp evidence

Take screenshots, preserve relevant chat history, record the phone number and save dates and times. Keep evidence of threats or demands and avoid forwarding intimate material unnecessarily.

Report the conduct

You can use WhatsApp’s reporting/blocking tools and consider reporting cybercrime through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. The portal covers online and social-media crimes. citeturn0search9

Possible legal provisions

Depending on the content and conduct, Information Technology Act provisions concerning privacy and specified obscene or sexually explicit electronic material may be relevant. Other criminal-law provisions may apply to threats, stalking, extortion or harassment.

SPG Legal Consultancy can assist with WhatsApp harassment complaints, evidence review and legal guidance.