Upskirting: From shoe-cams to spy devices, the threat facing India's public spaces

The arrest of a pilot in south Delhi has put spotlight on a disturbing form of voyeurism known as upskirting.

Once thought to be a problem confined to Western countries, this invasive practice is now emerging as a serious threat to privacy in India.

Upskirting involves secretly recording or photographing private areas under women’s skirts, usually without their consent, and often in public spaces.

The Delhi case, where the accused allegedly had 74 such videos filmed through a shoe-mounted camera, is only the latest reminder of how technology is enabling covert abuse.

How the practice works and where it thrives
In many reported cases worldwide, suspects have used cameras fitted onto their shoes to discreetly capture footage. Some have gone further, concealing spy devices in umbrellas or wristwatches. Many perpetrators purchase such equipment online with ease.

Internationally, upskirting has been rampant in the US, Australia, Europe, Japan and Malaysia. What begins as voyeuristic behaviour often feeds into online markets: cyber experts say there is a significant demand for such content on adult entertainment platforms, social media and especially on the dark web, where niche communities are willing to pay.

Delhi Police is currently probing whether the arrested pilot was selling the videos online. Prior to this case, the city last reported a similar incident in 2015, though there have since been sporadic episodes in shopping malls, metro stations and crowded public gatherings.

Why people do it and the harm it causes
Psychologists say motivations behind upskirting are complex, combining psychological impulses with economic incentives. Research points to voyeuristic tendencies, a desire to film or observe others without consent, often driven by the need for control, excitement or sexual gratification.

“People who engage in such acts often suffer from voyeuristic disorder. They struggle to communicate with women and instead derive pleasure from these intrusive behaviours,” said Dr Rajat Mitra, who teaches forensic psychology.

“Perpetrators tend to view their victims as objects rather than human beings, lacking empathy and awareness of the emotional harm they cause,” he explained. “The widespread use of smartphones and hidden cameras has further enabled this behaviour, allowing explicit images to be captured and shared discreetly.”

For victims, the experience can be profoundly damaging. Dr Mitra noted: “The experience could be deeply humiliating and distressing for the victims, often leading to long-term psychological consequences. Many become hyper-vigilant in public spaces. In severe cases, the trauma can even disrupt daily life and strain personal relationships.”

Studies of offender profiles suggest varied categories: some perpetrators already have histories of voyeurism, exhibitionism or other deviant behaviours; others are opportunists exploiting crowded environments; and still others aim to profit by selling illicit content online.

While India has not seen the same scale of cases as some other countries, existing laws are designed to address voyeurism and privacy violations. The Information Technology Act and provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) both include measures for punishing such offences.

(With inputs from ToI)