Social Media Matters has released a compelling and enlightening research titled "Sextortion in India – The First Public Survey." It's the first public effort to track the actual effects of this crime on Indian citizens, particularly young users like me and many others in my social circle. Since I spend a lot of time online, the study did more than simply educate me; it moved me.
What the Report reveals
Survey results and interviews with victims, legal professionals, law enforcement officers, and media professionals are combined in the study. The following are some important lessons learnt:
- We underestimate the prevalence of sextortion. Many people have either gone through it themselves or know someone who has.
- Victims frequently endure silent suffering. Many people choose not to disclose the crime out of fear of shame and a lack of assistance.
- There is serious psychological and emotional harm. In addition to fear and guilt, victims may experience chronic trauma.
- A systematic and legal gap exists. Platforms and law enforcement are still realising how serious the problem is.
How it resonates with me as a Young Internet User
This report's numbers and anecdotes seemed painfully familiar. I use the internet for classes, entertainment, socialising, and even activism on a daily basis. However, like many others, I have witnessed firsthand how easily private information can be abused and how a moment of trust can be transformed into a source of embarrassment.
I was really struck by how alone victims feel. There is a very genuine fear of being criticised, humiliated, or not taken seriously by friends or even by authorities. We frequently advise individuals to "speak up," but this research makes it apparent that this is difficult to do without a structure in place to help them.
Recommendations
The study offers workable remedies in addition to diagnosing the issue. My thoughts on them are as follows:
- Enhancing legal clarity: I wholeheartedly concur. Cyber laws should particularly address sextortion to avoid leaving victims to rely on antiquated or ambiguous rules.
- Accountability of IT platforms is vital. Businesses must move more quickly to remove dangerous information and offer people in crisis real-time assistance.
- Campaigns to raise awareness: These need to be more than just posts on social media. In schools, colleges, and universities, curriculum-based sensitisation is required.
- Suraksha AI and similar tools are a fantastic starting point. It should be extensively pushed, in my opinion, and combined with professional human support, particularly for emotional and legal assistance.
- The active participation of educational institutions is what I would add if I could. Most internet users first encounter social media in school or college, which is where discussions on sextortion need to begin in a safe and accepting environment.
I strongly advise reading the entire research if you haven't already - Sextortion in India - The First Public Survey