Online Harassment
By Chanda Bharti
Today’s generation is advancing rapidly, mainly because of the internet and information technology. But in this advancing world there are also cases where these platforms are being misused. People are using such platforms to hurt, cheat or commit other crimes, generally termed as cybercrime. Let’s have a closer look at it.
Here are 6 broad forms of online harassment:
- CYBERCRIME
Cybercrime is a type of harassment when a person uses information technology to stalk someone or with intention of harming others. The things that can be done to take precautions from such crimes are to: strengthen your privacy settings so that one will not be able to stalk your profile. Be careful about the websites you are visiting. They may share your location or any other information.
- IMPERSONATION
Impersonation is a situation in which a person may use the personality/identity of a different person with the intention of harassing or harming others without their consent. A person may do this to commit a crime and hide his identity. Having knowledge about phishing scams alone can avoid it. It is necessary to do an Identity verification before sharing personal details, especially details regarding bank accounts on online platforms.
- CATFISHING
When someone uses the identity and profile of another person without their consent mainly for a different purpose of getting a relationship, it counts as catfishing. Things that can be done to avoid catfishing is to do a background check of the person you met on dating apps. Have a video call with a person you don’t know. Fix yourselves a face-to-face meeting.
- TROLLING
When a person comments, dislikes or writes anything on your posts that can hurt others’ emotions, even when negative sentences are written deliberately to upset others or lower their confidence, it comes under trolling. To avoid this, a person may block the troller or can change the profile settings from public to private. Stand up for yourself and keep it as proof and report it.
- DOXING
When a person reveals personal information like name, address, location, gender, or any other private details without their consent, it comes under doxing. Best precaution you can take here is to use a strong VPN. Using strong passwords may also help. Don’t share your personal details with anyone you don’t know or don’t trust.
- MAKING EXPLICIT VIDEOS
If a person shares a nude or private video of anyone without their consent it is a serious crime and extremely important to deal with. Be alert and don’t share your personal images or videos with anyone. Don’t share your mobile number, passwords and accounts with anyone. Don’t let anyone shoot or capture your video or picture without your permission. If using public or private washrooms, at least examine your surroundings once and check for any devices that shouldn’t be there.
There are several types and steps to deal with fraud or harassment. Meanwhile in any of the cases definitely do not forget to take screenshots or other evidence and report it to authorities.