How to Report Cyberbullying, Deepfakes and Online Harassment in India

Suppose a family receives threats from an account using a pupil's name. They write down the profile link, dates and threatening messages, report the account and seek police or portal guidance. They do not publicly accuse a guessed suspect or forward harmful images to a class group.

What should we collect before reporting?

Record safe facts: what happened, when, which platform, account names, URLs and any payment references. Keep complaint acknowledgements for follow-up. Separate what you know from what you suspect.

Never download, save or redistribute nude or sexual material involving children, including fabricated material, to gather evidence. Note safe identifiers and seek police instructions. Do not upload such material to AI, search tools or this school website.

How do we use the official portal?

Open https://cybercrime.gov.in/ directly and follow its current reporting options. Provide accurate information and the evidence requested through the official process. Some anonymous reporting options are limited to particular categories; do not assume every complaint can be anonymous. The official FAQ describes reporting options, but page wording and steps can change. AI-S19: Read the source

Do not pay a third party to “unlock” a complaint or promise an outcome. No complaint was submitted to test this guide. If the portal is difficult to use, seek assistance from the appropriate police or official support route.

When should we call 1930 or 112?

For financial cyberfraud, contact the bank or payment provider and 1930 without delay, then complete the required reporting process. MHA confirms the financial-fraud helpline and national portal; reporting does not guarantee recovery. AI-S20: Read the source

For an immediate emergency involving safety or danger, call 112 or seek local police assistance. It is an emergency service, not a number to test or a substitute for every routine complaint. AI-S21: Read the source

What if the incident involves a child?

Support the child without blame and inform an appropriate school contact where relevant. A school discussion must not delay required police reporting. POCSO Section 19 provides for reporting knowledge or apprehension of a child sexual offence to the Special Juvenile Police Unit or local police. AI-S22: Read the source

After reporting, block unsafe contact when appropriate, review account access and retain reference numbers. Do not promise an FIR, refund, arrest or instant takedown. A calm account of facts helps authorities assess the case while protecting the child's dignity.

Where can you check the details?

• AI-S19: National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal: public FAQ
• AI-S20: National Cybercrime Response Mechanism
• AI-S21: Emergency Response Support System
• AI-S22: Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, Section 19

What can you read next?

• What Should Parents Do If Someone Misuses Their Child's Photo?
• At What Age Should Children Start Using AI?