Protection of Women on Social Media Platforms in India: A Critical Analysis of Legal Remedies and Regulatory Mechanisms

Abstract

The exponential proliferation of social media platforms in India has democratized digital expression, yet it has simultaneously exposed women to severe forms of gender-based cyber violence. Offences such as cyberstalking, the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, deepfake generation, doxing, and online harassment severely undermine female autonomy and digital safety. This paper critically analyses the structural efficacy of the existing legal remedies and regulatory frameworks designed to protect women on social media platforms in India. It evaluates statutory provisions under the Information Technology Act, 2000, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS), and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. Through a socio-legal qualitative analysis, the research assesses the operational challenges faced by victims, including delayed takedowns, jurisdictional bottlenecks, loopholes in intermediary immunity, and policing biases. The findings indicate that while legislative instruments have evolved to recognize new vectors of digital harm, implementation remains significantly constrained by inadequate police capacity, poor algorithmic accountability on the part of platforms, and the social stigma that deters reporting. The paper argues for comprehensive structural reforms, including strict enforcement of intermediary grievance timelines, specialized digital police cells, mandatory content moderation standards, and enhanced digital literacy initiatives, to foster a safer online ecosystem for women.