DIGITAL SHADOWS: EXAMINING INDIA'S LEGAL RESPONSE TO CYBERSTALKING AND ONLINE HARASSMENT
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| Formato: | Recurso digital |
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2026
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| _version_ | 1866902033725915136 |
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| author | E Sri Varshini |
| author_facet | E Sri Varshini |
| contents | In today's digital era, cyberstalking and online harassment have emerged as serious threats to privacy, safety, and dignity, particularly in India where rapid internet expansion has outpaced legal preparedness. This research explores the complex relationship between law, technology, and victim protection in the context of cyberstalking. It first examines how the absence of a gender-sensitive and technology-specific legal framework limits access to justice and fails to capture the psychological and emotional harm caused by online abuse. The research further investigates the growing influence of social media platforms and the effectiveness of intermediary liability provisions under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. By analyzing platform policies, enforcement practices, and state accountability, it seeks to understand whether India's current response adequately balances user safety and freedom of expression. Finally, the paper evaluates alternative approaches such as digital literacy initiatives, preventive cyber-policing, and community awareness programs to determine if these can complement or even surpass traditional punitive measures in combating online harassment. Through a combination of legal analysis, case studies, and policy review, this research aims to highlight existing gaps and propose actionable reforms that promote both deterrence and digital resilience. In the end, the study highlights the need for a well-rounded legal approach that not only holds offenders accountable but also helps people feel safer, more aware, and more confident while using the internet. Keywords: Cyberstalking, Online Harassment, Legal Framework in India, Digital Safety, Intermediary Liability. |
| format | Recurso digital |
| id | zenodo_https___doi_org_10_5281_zenodo_20029065 |
| institution | Zenodo |
| language | |
| publishDate | 2026 |
| publisher | Zenodo |
| record_format | zenodo |
| spellingShingle | DIGITAL SHADOWS: EXAMINING INDIA'S LEGAL RESPONSE TO CYBERSTALKING AND ONLINE HARASSMENT E Sri Varshini In today's digital era, cyberstalking and online harassment have emerged as serious threats to privacy, safety, and dignity, particularly in India where rapid internet expansion has outpaced legal preparedness. This research explores the complex relationship between law, technology, and victim protection in the context of cyberstalking. It first examines how the absence of a gender-sensitive and technology-specific legal framework limits access to justice and fails to capture the psychological and emotional harm caused by online abuse. The research further investigates the growing influence of social media platforms and the effectiveness of intermediary liability provisions under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. By analyzing platform policies, enforcement practices, and state accountability, it seeks to understand whether India's current response adequately balances user safety and freedom of expression. Finally, the paper evaluates alternative approaches such as digital literacy initiatives, preventive cyber-policing, and community awareness programs to determine if these can complement or even surpass traditional punitive measures in combating online harassment. Through a combination of legal analysis, case studies, and policy review, this research aims to highlight existing gaps and propose actionable reforms that promote both deterrence and digital resilience. In the end, the study highlights the need for a well-rounded legal approach that not only holds offenders accountable but also helps people feel safer, more aware, and more confident while using the internet. Keywords: Cyberstalking, Online Harassment, Legal Framework in India, Digital Safety, Intermediary Liability. |
| title | DIGITAL SHADOWS: EXAMINING INDIA'S LEGAL RESPONSE TO CYBERSTALKING AND ONLINE HARASSMENT |
| url | https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20029065 |