Do not add strangers on social media: Additional Superintendent of Police

Chennai: Additional Superintendent of Police(Cyber Crime) S.P. Lavanya urged women against adding unidentified persons to their social media accounts as she spoke about issues that women face in cyber space and how they can seek legal help.

Speaking at a seminar, ‘Digital Security: Emerging Trends’, conducted by the Digital Security Association of India, Ms Lavanya gave tops on the various ways to protect privacy online. “When faced with online sexual harassment, most websites have a reporting mechanism. If a harasser is reported, the website has its own policy of how to treat them,”she said.

If the harassment is of an extreme nature, the police should be informed, she said. “Suo moto cognizance will be taken and immediate action will be ensured,”Ms Lavanya said.

Speaking of apps which ask for permission to access the photo gallery and contacts of mobile phone uses, Ms Lavanya said that the extent of the privacy invasion is unknown. “The app can access all information which could include private images. The contacts list can also be accessed, which could go terribly wrong.”

Ms Lavanya stated that some laws could be beneficial if used correctly but their abuse, like in the case of Section 66A of the IT Act was wrong. Women, especially in rural areas, do not understand the extent of violation of privacy. “We need to work towards empowering them,”she said.