Once your images/videos become digital and online, everyone can see it. Photo: iStock(K Sanjay Kumar Gurudin, an IPS officer of the 2005 batch, Kerala cadre, is a socially conscious cop, a well-known cyber expert, and an author of the must-read book 'Is Your Child Safe?' He has had an outstanding and illustrious career as superintendent of police in Kerala).
Question: What should you do if your nude images appear on cyber space?
Answer: It is basically your worst nightmare. Before we talk about what action should be taken if such photos are uploaded on the web, let us discuss precautionary measure to avoid having obscene photos online.
Precautionary measures to avoid having compromising photos of you loaded online.
1. NEVER take pictures (or videos) of yourself in any compromising position. Remember, once your images/videos become digital and online, everyone can see it.
2. Pause and think, when the picture or video of you is being taken, always try to imagine your loved ones, employers or respected peers viewing this image. Stop and think - is this something you would be ok with?
3. If you do take pictures of yourself in the nude, NEVER send them to anyone. The risk is simply too high. Friendships and intimate relationships are not always forever. Disgruntled friends, ex-boyfriends etc. are often the top offenders in posting undesirable images or videos. Just think what happens if their phone, or laptop or PC is stolen? Or What happens when your relationship ends and this person decides to share your photos or videos with others.
4.PARENTS talk to your children and pre-teens, about the dangers of taking these types of pictures. What they see as innocent play can quickly be turned into something undesirable and often with tragic consequences.
5. If someone is threatening you with publishing your images on internet
6. If someone is having your intimate picture/video, ask them strongly to delete it. Make sure you see that it has been deleted. Let them know you are serious about your privacy and security.
7. Do not get intimidated. You should understand that the person will be exploiting your fear. Get help if you need it. Parents, school, police anyone with authority. In most countries, the owning and distributing pictures or video of anyone 'underage' is illegal.
What to do when you find compromising pictures of you published online?
1. Don't panic:
It is easier said than done, but there is a solution to everything. Do not blame yourself, it is not your fault. Take help from the person you trust.
2. Collect evidence:
Always save a screenshot of the profile because it is the only evidence to be produced in a court of law. Screenshots have to be taken at the earliest since the account may disappear any time.
3. Do not become a victim of extortion! Do not send money or succumb to any kind of exploitation to get the post removed
4. Contact the police: It is better to file a police complaint with all available details. The police authorities or the personnel of Cyber cell could help you block or remove those abusive images, and initiate criminal action against the perpetrators.
5. Removal of the image: The longer the content is up, the more likely it spreads to other networks and websites. It is advisable to keep searching for images with your name and other details, so as to find out other websites where the images might have been uploaded.
6. Search engine optimization: Use Google to your advantage. If for some reason you are unable to take down the content or get it removed, you will want to use some search engine optimization strategies so that when people Google you, the incriminating photos show up as far down on the list as possible.
Read more: Straight Talk
