Online digital platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, Discord and Reddit are ripe with cyber harassment. Online harassment, including threats, stalking, doxxing (publishing private information), or non-consensual sharing of personal content, can have devastating emotional and reputational consequences. If you’ve been targeted online, understanding your rights and remedies is crucial to protecting your safety and privacy.
What can be considered cyber harassment?
- Threatening messages
Direct messages or comments containing threats of harm, violence, or intimidation. For example, a direct message on Instagram threatening physical harm or blackmail. - Non-consensual sharing of images
Sharing intimate or personal photos or videos without the subject’s consent, sometimes referred to as ‘revenge porn’. For example, as ex-partner posting private images online after a breakup. - Doxxing (publishing private information)
Sharing someone’s personal details (e.g., address, phone number, or workplace) without consent, to bully, intimidate or endanger them. For example, posting someone’s home address in a public forum to incite violence against that person. - Impersonation
Creating fake accounts to impersonate someone and damage their reputation or relationships. For example, a fake Facebook profile spreading false information about the victim. - Persistent stalking or monitoring
Repeatedly contacting someone online against their wishes or tracking their activity to intimidate them. For example, sending dozens of unwanted messages daily on multiple platforms despite being blocked.
When to take action
If you’re experiencing cyber harassment, consider taking action if any or a combination of the following factors are present:
- Emotional distress
If the harassment is causing significant anxiety, fear, or distress that impacts your daily life. - Threats to safety
If the harassment includes threats of violence or doxxing that put you at risk of physical harm. - Reputational harm
If the harassment involves false claims or shared content that damages your personal or professional reputation. - Escalation
If the harassment persists or escalates despite attempts to block or report the perpetrator. - Criminal behaviour
If the behavior constitutes or may constitute crimes such as those under the federal Online Safety Act 2021, which criminalises cyber abuse and image-based abuse.
How to take action
If you are a victim of cyber harassment, take these steps to protect yourself and seek remedies:
- Document evidence
Take screenshots of all threatening messages, posts, or shared content, including timestamps and URLs where possible. This evidence is crucial for reporting and legal action. - Report to platforms
Use reporting tools on social media platforms to flag abusive content or accounts for removal. Many platforms have policies against harassment and non-consensual content sharing. - Contact the eSafety Commissioner
Submit a formal complaint through the Office of the eSafety Commissioner for serious cases of cyber abuse or image-based abuse in Australia. They can issue removal notices to platforms and assist in addressing online threats. - Seek legal advice
Consult a lawyer if the harassment involves defamation, stalking, non-consensual sharing of images, or other breaches of privacy laws. Legal remedies may include restraining orders, compensation claims. A lawyer can also help identify anonymous perpetrators through preliminary discovery proceedings and/or private investigations. - Report matter to police
If the conduct amounts to criminal offences, and there is sufficient evidence of who the perpetrator is, the police may decide to investigate and bring criminal charges against the perpetrator. - Enhance online privacy
Strengthen your account security by changing password, enabling two-factor authentication, adjusting privacy settings to limit who can contact you, and abstaining from sharing personal information online.
Cyber harassment can be devastating. However, understanding your rights and potential remedies can help protect your safety and privacy. By documenting evidence, reporting abuse, and seeking legal advice, you can hold perpetrators accountable and safeguard your digital presence under Australian law.