Question:
An expatriate boy is blackmailing a girl by editing her photos badly and threatening to make them viral on the internet. He demands that she talk to him regularly and not block him. This harassment is ongoing. What legal actions can the girl take to stop the blackmail and protect her reputation?
Answer:
Here are the legal actions the girl can take under Bangladeshi law:
1. File a Complaint with the Police:
- Visit the nearest police station and lodge a complaint or General Diary (GD).
- Provide evidence, such as screenshots of messages, calls, or edited photos. These can serve as proof of harassment.
2. Cyber Crime Complaint:
- Report the incident to the Cyber Crime Investigation Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) or the Digital Security Agency.
- Under the Digital Security Act, 2018, blackmail, defamation, and cyber harassment are punishable offenses.
3. Legal Charges:
- Section 25 of the Digital Security Act, 2018:
Punishes sending offensive, false, or threatening information online. - Section 29 of the Digital Security Act, 2018:
Addresses defamation, including the misuse of photos. - Section 499/500 of the Penal Code, 1860:
Covers defamation and intentional harm to a person’s reputation. - Section 66E of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Act, 2006:
Punishes the violation of privacy through misuse of images or videos.
4. Seek Legal Protection:
- Request a restraining order from the court to prevent further harassment or threats.
5. Contact the Cyber Police Hotline:
- Call the cybercrime helpline at 999 or +880-1799999999 for immediate assistance.
6. Awareness and Evidence Collection:
- Avoid responding to the blackmailer to minimize further risks.
- Preserve all evidence carefully, including chats, emails, and photos.
7. Reach Out for Support:
- Seek help from trusted family members or friends. Psychological counseling can also help in coping with the stress of blackmail.