Karnataka Police Orders Mandatory FIRs for Non-Consensual Sharing of Intimate Content

The Karnataka Police have issued a statewide directive mandating the immediate registration of First Information Reports (FIRs) in all cases involving the non-consensual publication or dissemination of intimate photographs and videos. The order, dated 15 June and signed by Director General of Police M A Saleem, aims to address a growing number of complaints where victims of sextortion, blackmail, and revenge pornography were being turned away by local police stations.

The directive comes in response to reports that some law enforcement officers were delaying or outright refusing to file complaints under the mistaken belief that if the victim had originally consented to the images or videos being captured, then sharing them did not constitute a crime. The DGP’s order unequivocally rejects this interpretation, stating, “Consent to capture and consent to disseminate are two entirely separate legal concepts. Even if a victim had agreed to be photographed or filmed, sharing that content with a third party without their permission constitutes a cognisable offence.”

Under Indian law, such acts are covered by provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Indian Penal Code. The non-consensual sharing of private images can attract penalties for offences related to privacy, defamation, and sexual harassment. By making FIR registration mandatory, the DGP ensures that victims cannot be arbitrarily denied access to the legal system. Police officers are now required to record a complaint as soon as it is made, regardless of their personal assumptions about the circumstances under which the content was created.

The order is a significant step towards strengthening the legal framework protecting individuals’ digital privacy and dignity. It reinforces the constitutional right to privacy, which the Supreme Court of India has affirmed as a fundamental right. Victims of image-based abuse often face severe psychological trauma, social stigma, and professional harm. Timely legal intervention can be critical in preventing further dissemination and holding perpetrators accountable.

In recent years, Karnataka, like many states, has seen a surge in cases of revenge pornography and sextortion. Perpetrators often exploit intimate material obtained with or without initial consent to blackmail victims. The police’s previous reluctance to act in such cases had left many victims without recourse, sometimes forcing them to comply with demands out of fear of exposure. The new directive is expected to change that dynamic by ensuring that every complaint is taken seriously from the outset.

The DGP’s order also serves as a reminder to law enforcement agencies about the evolving nature of consent in the digital age. It emphasises that the mere act of sharing one’s own image in confidence does not grant unlimited license to others to redistribute it. This principle is increasingly relevant as technology makes it easier to record and disseminate images without consent.

While the order is a welcome move, its effectiveness will depend on implementation. Police personnel will need training to understand these nuanced legal distinctions and to handle such complaints with sensitivity. Civil society groups have long demanded stricter enforcement of existing laws and greater awareness among both the public and police about non-consensual pornography. The Karnataka Police’s directive aligns with these demands and sets a precedent that other states may consider following.