Is Sharing Pornographic Videos on WhatsApp a Crime in India?
Sharing a video on WhatsApp can have legal consequences where the material falls within a prohibited category and the conduct satisfies the relevant legal provision. The exact answer depends on the nature of the video and the circumstances.
Section 67
Section 67 of the Information Technology Act concerns publishing or transmitting specified obscene material in electronic form. citeturn0search15
Section 67A
Section 67A concerns publishing or transmitting material containing specified sexually explicit acts or conduct in electronic form. citeturn0search24
Do not forward suspected illegal material
If you receive questionable material, avoid forwarding it to friends or groups. Preserve the identifying information needed for a complaint and report it through the appropriate channel.
Where to report
The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal provides online cybercrime reporting and a facility for reporting abuse to social-media intermediaries, including WhatsApp. citeturn0search0turn0search5
SPG Legal Consultancy can assist with assessing the circumstances and preparing a complaint where appropriate.
Need Legal Assistance?
If you are dealing with obscene content, sexually explicit material, unlawful sharing, WhatsApp or Instagram content, non-consensual intimate images or suspected illegal sexual content, consider taking prompt legal advice. SPG Legal Consultancy can assist with evidence review, cybercrime complaint preparation and legal strategy.
Legal disclaimer: This content is for general information and is not a substitute for case-specific legal advice. The applicability of any law depends on the facts and evidence. No particular FIR registration, arrest, content removal, investigation result or case outcome can be guaranteed.