Protecting creators online: Shraddha Shenoy’s legal guide to cyberbullying and misuse of posts

Understanding the proper approach towards law versus cyberbullying, Shraddha Shenoy, a corporate lawyer, explains how to deal with cyberbullying and people misusing posts without permission.

Cyberbullying has always triggered conversations about how unsafe online platforms can be, and creators who serve this wide platform often become vulnerable to this online harassment. It is one constant fear that creators have to go through, along with each milestone that celebrates their work. While we have seen the word ‘cyberbullying’ being thrown around more often than we think, what does it actually account for?

Just suggesting an option you can see what works better with the article but we cannot mention the law firm. According to Shraddha Shenoy, a corporate lawyer, who also leads Shakti Welfare Association to create awareness and support initiatives for women, everything from trolling, body shaming, hate comments, character assassination, fake news, morphed images, to impersonation accounts is considered as part of it. “What’s worse is that sometimes it’s not even loud hate, it’s silent sabotage.” Anonymous accounts that report posts to bring down reach or spread subtle misinformation about the creator also fall under cyberbullying. “It’s exhausting because the creator is often alone in this; there’s no HR to complain to. So what might feel like “just a comment” can snowball into public humiliation or even professional loss.” 

Unfortunately, the comment sections of every platform have become a haven for spreading hate towards someone they have only met online. It's become a common practice that creators now make ‘reacting to hate comments’ part of their usual content, responding to the haters who try to find words that not only criticise but also demean them. 

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It’s understandable for creators to be clueless about the immediate legal or practical steps if they plan to take legal action against cyberbullies. In such instances, the first step Shradhha suggests is not deleting anything and having screenshots as proof. “Screen record the abusive comments, messages, handles, along with time stamps. This is your digital evidence; without it, there’s no case. Don’t worry if the post disappears or the account vanishes; platforms retain login metadata, including IP addresses. Through a formal complaint, law enforcement can still trace the source. Then, block and report the offender, but always keep their handle or profile link. And while the abuse is online, don’t forget that the redressal can also start online.” 

Also Read: How to protect your IP in this copy-paste culture as a content creator ft. Priyanka Khimani

Some provisions allow users to file a complaint directly on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal. A police complaint or cyber cell intimation, along with the evidence, can help establish a trail if things escalate. Online abuse is actionable under Indian laws, especially in cases of cyberstalking, criminal intimidation, or obscene messages. 

“Often, a well-timed legal notice or escalation through these platforms is enough to pull the plug on abuse.”

Shraddha reminds us that boundaries aren’t just emotional; they need to be legal and digital too. “You don’t owe a response to every hate comment. Remember, vulnerability online doesn’t mean you stop protecting your peace.” 

Law about using a creator’s video or image without permission

Creators need to realise that their content is not only their identity but also their legal property owned under copyright law, especially as India follows the Berne Convention. "Scripts and voiceovers can be copyrighted, and if your voice is a core part of your content, you can license it with specific usage terms." Whether it's meme pages misusing creators' faces with sexist captions or brands reposting their videos without credit, there are always legal ways for them to respond to it.

"Indian courts have increasingly acknowledged that misuse of identity, even digitally, can amount to a legal violation."

Process to report and take down stolen or misused content

Most platforms are made to support creators, but only if they know how to use these tools. Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook have takedown forms, and by submitting clear evidence of original ownership, the misused content can be removed quickly. In case of bullying or impersonation, while the built-in “Report” options help, one needs to follow up with emails to their support teams. However, if they don’t act, a lawyer’s notice to the platform often speeds things up.

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Regaining control over the narrative of content that's edited or misrepresented goes viral

"When content goes viral for the wrong reasons, it’s not just overwhelming; it can feel like you have lost control over your own voice." Shraddha reminds that the creator will always own the content and can issue a public clarification if their content has been edited to misrepresent. Getting help from their community to report the post is also an option they shouldn't forget. "File for takedown. Use that moment to shift the conversation on your terms. And don’t shy away from legal support. A misused video can be defamation."

Preparing legally and ethically, especially with the rise of AI-generated content and deepfakes

AI is exciting but it also blurs the line between real and synthetic and creators are among the first to feel the heat. We are already seeing influencers’ faces used in deepfake ads, voices mimicked to create fake podcasts, and AI-generated lookalike avatars reviewing products they have never used. While it's terrifying and unfortunately, the law is still playing catch-up, in such a scenario, it becomes even more crucial to secure your brand, trademark your name, logo, signature phrases. Ethically, too, creators must avoid using AI in ways that mislead, because tomorrow, you might be on the receiving end. As AI becomes more powerful, your authenticity will be your strongest currency. 

Lastly, always remember, creators who build their brand with legal framing and ethical clarity will lead, and others will just become data points for digital clones.

If you or anyone you know is being cyberbullied, you can visit here.

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