SOPs to deal with sharing of images without consent

THE PROTOCOLS MANDATE THAT PLATFORMS AND POLICE KEEP VICTIMS INFORMED THROUGHOUT THE REMOVAL OF THEIR INTIMATE IMAGES AND ALERT THEM IF THE CONTENT RESURFACES

- Ayesha Arvind

The Union government has introduced Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) requiring social media platforms and law enforcement agencies to remove non-consensual intimate images within 24 hours of reporting, marking a significant shift in how India addresses online sexual abuse.

Approved by the Madras high court on October 22, the SOPs for the first time mandate that platforms and police keep victims informed throughout the removal process and alert them if the content resurfaces. They also direct authorities to provide legal assistance and psychological counselling upon request.

The move follows directions from the high court, which in August asked the ministry of electronics and information technology to clearly outline what victims should do if their private images are circulated online.