Have you or someone close to you become a victim of harassment, stalking, or any other attack via online services?
Has someone misused your personal data, photos, or otherwise infringed upon your privacy?
Has a network operator restricted your rights or failed to respond to your request?
Here you will find an overview of experiences, opinions, and recommendations on how to proceed in such cases.
Templates and Guides
I am a victim of cyberbullying – what should I do?
Gather Evidence
A harmful post can be deleted by its author, as well as by the platform operator. Therefore, it is essential to gather as much evidence as possible from the very beginning regarding what the post contained, who the author might be, where it was published, and what harmful consequences it had on you (or a third party).
- A photo or video recording of the problematic post (including the date of publication and the account name).
- Photos of reactions that prove the harmful nature of the post (hate comments and other reactions).
- The exact web link (URL address) through which the post can be located.
- If you know the identity of the author (or have a suspicion), secure photos or links to all sources that confirm it.
- A list of witnesses who can describe the harmful nature of the post or its impact (e.g., dissemination within a group, school, or workplace).
- Other documentation (e.g., medical reports, if you had to seek professional help).
- Photos or copies of all submissions you have made regarding the matter, including the date and time (e.g., reporting to the platform).
- Photos or copies of all responses and replies from the platform operator, including the date and time.
Keep a Record of the Event Log
Over time, you might forget seemingly minor details that could be crucial for investigating and resolving the issue. It is therefore advisable to write these facts down chronologically from the start.
- A record of when, where, and how you first learned about the harmful post.
- Any additional information that demonstrates the consequences (discussions on social networks, reactions from your surroundings).
- Every single step you took to actively resolve the issue.
Who to Contact?
Proceed systematically, from the platform operator to the state authorities:
- Platform Operator: Report the post as illegal content directly through the respective platform's reporting form. Provide the exact URL, a detailed explanation, evidence, your contact information, and a declaration that you are submitting the report in good faith. Keep a record of every step.
- Police of the Czech Republic / Offense Authority: Simultaneously, you can submit a request for investigation as a suspected criminal offense or infraction. It is recommended to make both submissions at the same time. Criminal Complaint Template and Infraction Procedure Submission Template.
- Office for Personal Data Protection (ÚOOÚ): If the post contains your name, photograph, or other identifiable information, file a complaint with the ÚOOÚ. A potential template can be found here.
- Czech Telecommunication Office (ČTÚ): The platform operator has no set deadline to react. If they do not respond within a reasonable timeframe (e.g., within 10 days) or respond negatively, submit a complaint to the ČTÚ, which acts as the Digital Services Coordinator under the DSA. A potential template for submission can be found here.
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Do you have a question or feedback regarding our templates and guides? Let us know.
How could this happen?
Let’s not underestimate the risks of online space. Because what we fear may have already happened to someone. Listen to real stories about bullying in the online environment. Can we learn from them?
FAQ
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Your real-life experiences can help others understand the risks of social networks and the online environment. They can also become an effective tool to prevent or resolve similar situations. If you would like to share your own experience, write to us at resafe@resafe.cz and use “Real Case” as the subject line. You can also participate in our analytical survey.
Analysis of the Online Space
Have you become a victim of an online attack? Help us monitor how the tools provided by the state and the European Union for these cases actually perform in practice.
