Madras HC Directs MeitY to Frame Protocol for Victims to Seek Removal of Non-Consensual Intimate Images

The Madras High Court has directed the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) to file an affidavit within six weeks outlining clear, accessible protocols for victims of non-consensual intimate images (NCII) to seek takedown of content from online platforms.

The court emphasised that not all victims feel safe filing FIRs and must be empowered to act anonymously, with support from NGOs, easy complaint mechanisms, and swift removal by intermediaries using technologies like hash matching and AI.

The court also ordered MeitY to report on actions taken, including blocking offending websites, and called for improved police sensitivity, including redacting victim names from FIRs and ensuring female officers lead investigations.