Photo viral on internet: In today’s digital age, every part of our life is connected to the internet. While tools like smartphones, social media and cloud storage have provided convenience on one hand, on the other hand they have also increased privacy concerns. Many times it happens that a personal photo or video of yours, which you may have shared with a special person or which you have saved just for yourself, becomes viral on the internet without your permission. Such a situation not only causes mental stress, but also has a deep impact on your social reputation and self-esteem.

In this article, we will learn in detail what you can do legally and technically if your private photo or video goes viral on the internet, so that the content can be removed immediately and such a thing does not happen again.

Don’t panic, act wisely- When you come to know that any of your personal photos or videos have gone viral on the internet, the first advice is – don’t panic. Fear, shame and anger are natural in these situations, but it is important to keep a cool head amidst these emotions.

First of all, see on which platforms the content is present, is it on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Telegram, WhatsApp group or any porn site? Save the screenshots and links immediately, as this will serve as evidence when complaining further.

Report on social media platforms

Facebook/Instagram: Click “Report Post” or “Report Photo” → Select “Nudity or sexual content” or “Harassment”.

YouTube: Click the three dots below the video → select “Report” → “Infringes my rights”.

Twitter/X: Under Tweet options, select “Report Tweet” and select Privacy Violation.

On these platforms, if you prove that the content has been posted without your permission, they can remove it within a few hours.

Seek legal help: India has strict laws against digital crimes. If someone makes your photo or video viral without your permission then it is a serious crime. You can take the following legal steps:

1. File a complaint on the Cyber Crime Portal:

Website: https://cybercrime.gov.in

Register your complaint here under “Women/Child Related Crime”.

File an FIR at the nearest cyber crime station or police station.

A case can be registered under Section 354C (Voyeurism), 66E, 67, 67A of the IPC and the IT Act.

If the content is related to a minor then the case becomes more serious under the POCSO Act.

2. Contact NCW (National Commission for Women):

Women can seek help from the National Commission for Women.

Website: http://ncw.nic.in

Through these legal measures, not only can the content be removed, but strict action is also possible against the culprit.

3. Get it removed from Google, content can also be removed from search engines:

If your personal information or photo is appearing in a Google search, you can send a direct request to Google:

Go to Google’s “Remove Outdated Content” tool or “Personal Content Removal Request” page.

You must provide a link to the URL that contains your personal photo/video.

Enter correct reason and upload your ID proof.

Link: https://support.google.com/websearch/troubleshooter/3111061?hl=en

The Google team can remove that content from the search index within 2 to 7 business days.

Consult an NGO or cyber expert-

Cyber Helpline (Helpline Number – 1930): 24×7 helpline number issued by the Government of India, where immediate help can be availed.

Evaluation and counseling: In such cases, mental counseling also becomes very important. Many NGOs and cyber cells help in such cases with confidentiality.