One of my clients recently had a case which I am explaining below and if you are stuck in such similar situation, here is what to do.

Note: Due to attorney-client privilege, I cannot disclose complete case details or identify the actual parties involved. However, I am sharing the essential facts and legal approach so that if you find yourself in a similar situation, you can understand the available solutions and legal remedies.

Mr.X contacted me in a highly distressed state. An unknown person had taken a regular photograph from Mr.X’s social media account and used artificial intelligence software to create fake intimate images without consent. The perpetrator then contacted Mr.X directly, sending these manipulated images and making threatening implications about sharing them publicly or with Mr.X’s family and professional contacts. The accused person was demanding money in exchange for not distributing these fabricated images. Mr.X felt completely violated and feared for their reputation, career prospects, and mental well-being. This case involved multiple serious cyber crimes including non-consensual intimate image creation, extortion, and cyber harassment. We immediately took legal action to protect Mr.X’s rights and dignity.

Advice in Such Cases

Consult with Lawyer: The very basic and important step to start is talk to Lawyer / advocate. You should not hesitate in paying his consultation fee i.e. might be in range of Rs. 10,000 to 50,000 depends case to case. He is helping you in this situation to come out. He is expert in the domain and can help you explain the procedure which you might have never explored. A good lawyer can get the issues resolved much faster than you think.

• Document everything immediately – screenshots, messages, timestamps, and communication records
• Do not engage with the perpetrator or respond to their demands
• Report to cyber crime police station without delay
• Preserve original social media posts and account settings as evidence

Applicable Sections of Law

This case involves multiple provisions under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Key sections include BNS Section 67B for publishing or transmitting sexually explicit material, Section 308 for extortion, Section 351 for criminal intimidation, and Section 356 for defamation. Under BNSS, provisions for investigation of cyber crimes and evidence collection apply. The Information Technology Act provisions regarding cyber harassment and non-consensual sharing of intimate images are also relevant. These offenses carry significant penalties including imprisonment and substantial fines.

If You Are the Complainant

• File FIR at nearest cyber crime police station immediately
• Provide complete documentation including original photos, fake images, threatening messages
• Submit detailed complaint with chronological sequence of events
• Request police to issue notice to social media platforms for preservation of evidence
• Demand immediate action to prevent further distribution of manipulated content

If You Are the Victim

• Contact cyber helpline number 1930 immediately for assistance
• Report to cybercrime.gov.in portal with all supporting evidence
• Block the perpetrator on all social media platforms
• Inform trusted family members and employers about the situation
• Seek immediate psychological counseling if experiencing trauma

How the Police Behave in Such Cases

Police typically treat such cases seriously given the severe psychological impact on victims. They register FIR under relevant cyber crime sections and initiate technical investigation. Officers coordinate with cyber forensic experts to trace digital footprints and identify perpetrators. However, initial response may sometimes lack urgency, requiring persistent follow-up. Police often require detailed technical explanations about AI manipulation. Legal representation helps ensure proper investigation procedures are followed and victim’s rights are protected throughout the process.

FAQs People Normally Have

• Can police trace anonymous social media accounts? Yes, through IP tracking and technical investigation methods.
• What if perpetrator is from different state? Case can be transferred or investigated jointly with other state police.
• How to prove images are AI-generated? Forensic analysis can detect digital manipulation signatures.
• Can I get compensation? Yes, through criminal court proceedings and separate civil defamation suit.

What Evidence Is Required?

• Original social media photographs that were manipulated
• Screenshots of fake AI-generated images received
• Complete conversation history and threatening messages
• Technical metadata from images and communication platforms
• Witness statements if others received similar content
• Social media account details and privacy settings
• Bank transaction records if monetary demands were made

How Long Will the Investigation Take?

Cyber crime investigations typically take 6-12 months depending on technical complexity and inter-state coordination requirements. Initial response and FIR registration should happen within 24-48 hours. Technical analysis for AI detection may require 2-3 months. Court proceedings can extend 1-2 years. However, immediate interim relief like restraining orders can be obtained within weeks to prevent further harassment.

Advocate Sudhir Rao, Supreme Court of India