SOP issued to curb spread of non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII)
A Spokesperson of Digital Technologies and Governance, HP today here informed that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to prevent and control the dissemination of Non-Consensual Intimate Imagery (NCII) content under the IT Rules, 2021.
The spokesperson informed that NCII content includes any material that exposes private parts of an individual, shows full or partial nudity, depicts sexual acts, or involves morphed images of a person. Such content is a serious violation of privacy and dignity.
To support affected individuals, multiple reporting mechanisms have been put in place. Victims, especially women, may approach nearby One Stop Centres (OSCs) for assistance. Complaints can also be submitted directly to social media platforms or websites through their reporting tools, by using the “report/abuse” button, or by contacting their designated Grievance Officers.
Additionally, individuals may report such incidents through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in), which also provides an integrated option to report abuse on social media platforms. He informed that complaints can be lodged online or by calling the cybercrime helpline number 1930 for immediate assistance.
He informed that the victims may also file a complaint at the nearest police station or approach law enforcement agencies for necessary legal action.
The spokesperson further added that if no response is received from the intermediary within the prescribed time, or if the complainant is not satisfied with the action taken, an appeal may be filed before the Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC) at www.gac.gov.in .
He urged citizens to remain vigilant, avoid sharing such harmful content and promptly report any instance of NCII to ensure timely action and protection of individual dignity and ensure online safety.
