In the aftermath of the video's leak, the couple faced severe backlash on social media, with many people calling for them to be "canceled" and boycotted. The incident also raised concerns about the ease with which private content can be shared on social media platforms, often without the consent of those involved.
With the replacement of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in 2024, the newly enacted also contains provisions that can apply. Specifically, Section 72 of the BNS deals with the violation of privacy, criminalizing the act of capturing, publishing, or transmitting the image of a private area without consent, with penalties mirroring those under the IT Act.
In unfortunate instances, personal videos or photos are leaked online without consent via hacked devices, revenge porn, or hidden cameras.
The cultural impact in a relatively conservative society like Kerala is devastating. Victims, particularly women, face immense social shaming, "moral policing," and psychological trauma. Legal Implications: IT Act and the Law
Up to 3 years imprisonment (first conviction); up to 5 years for subsequent offenses.
The leak of the Kerala couple MMS has likely had a significant psychological impact on the individuals involved. The experience of having their private lives exposed to the world can be traumatic, leading to feelings of shame, anxiety, and depression.