Consent to film isn't consent to share: Karnataka mandates FIRs in sextortion 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
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, while announcing the decision, that will strengthen digital privacy and protect victims of online abuse, said that consent to create intimate content does not imply consent to distribute it. Read Full Story The Standing Order instructs police across Karnataka to act promptly in cases of revenge porn, sextortion 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.
“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, sextortion and blackmail videos.” Priyank Kharge said in a post on X. Consent to record is not consent to share. Have asked the Dept of Home to make FIRs mandatory in cases of revenge pornography, sextortion and blackmail videos Karnataka Police Department has issued Standing Order directing all police officers across the State to take strict and— Priyank Kharge / (@PriyankKharge) June 25, 2026 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.
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 sexual 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. 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. Furthermore, the police have been instructed to maintain confidentiality and avoid victim-blaming.
The BriefWire