Consent To Record Is Not Consent To Share: Karnataka Makes FIR Mandatory in Revenge P*rn, S*xtortion Cases

The Karnataka government on Thursday made it compulsory for police to register FIRs in all cases involving the non-consensual sharing or circulation of intimate images and videos, even if the material was originally recorded with the person's consent.

Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge, announcing the decision, said it will strengthen digital privacy and protect victims of online abuse, adding that consent to create intimate content does not imply consent to distribute it.

What The Standing Order Says

The Standing Order instructs police across Karnataka to act promptly in cases of revenge p*rn, s*xtortion and blackmail involving intimate content, clarifying that the unauthorised sharing or circulation of such material is a separate cognisable offence even if it was originally recorded with consent. S*x Racket Busted in Pune: Prostitution Racket Operating Under Guise of Spa in Wakad, Owner and Manager Arrested.

"Police officers have been directed to mandatorily register FIRs in complaints involving non-consensual dissemination of intimate content, including cases commonly referred to as revenge pornography, s*xtortion and blackmail videos." Priyank Kharge said in a post on X.

Karnataka Makes FIRs Mandatory In Revenge P*rn, S*xtortion Cases

In a separate post, Kharge wrote, "Consent to record is not consent to share. Have asked the Dept of Home to make FIRs mandatory in cases of revenge pornography, s*xtortion and blackmail videos Karnataka Police Department has issued Standing Order directing all police officers across the State to take strict and"

Legal Provisions Police Must Invoke

Under the new guidelines, police must register FIRs under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Information Technology Act, 2000, including Section 77 of the BNS and Sections 66E, 67 and 67A of the IT Act, wherever applicable. Gujarat: Married Woman Alleges Forced S*x, Po*n Pressure and Mental Abuse by Husband, In-Laws.

Authorities have also been instructed not to refuse or delay complaints on the grounds that the victim had consented to the recording of the material.

In cases involving extortion, threats or demands for s*xual favours, investigating officers have been directed to invoke additional provisions relating to criminal intimidation and extortion. Police stations have also been asked to register Zero FIRs where jurisdiction is uncertain and transfer cases to the appropriate station without delay.

Evidence Preservation And Victim Dignity

The order further mandates investigators to preserve electronic evidence, seek the removal or blocking of objectionable content and coordinate with cybercrime units for technical assistance. Police have also been instructed to maintain confidentiality and avoid victim-blaming.

"The order further stresses that victims must be treated with dignity and sensitivity. Their identity must be kept confidential, victim-shaming must be avoided, and wherever feasible, complaints of women victims should be recorded by women officers." the post added.

The department warned that any failure or delay in registering an FIR based on the mistaken belief that consent to recording amounts to consent for circulation will be viewed seriously and could invite departmental action against the concerned officers.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 28, 2026 09:36 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).