Karnataka Mandates FIRs for Revenge Porn & Sextortion: Victim Privacy First!
Karnataka Mandates FIRs for Revenge Porn & Sextortion: Victim Privacy First!
Big news from Karnataka! The state police now *must* register FIRs in all 'revenge porn' & 'sextortion' cases. A huge step for privacy and victim protection. #KarnatakaPolice #PrivacyRights
Karnataka has taken a decisive step towards protecting individuals from digital harassment, with Home Minister Priyank Kharge announcing a groundbreaking Standing Order. This new directive makes it mandatory for the state police to register First Information Reports (FIRs) in all cases involving the non-consensual sharing, publication, or transmission of intimate photos and videos. This includes serious offenses like "revenge pornography," "sextortion," and blackmail, irrespective of how the content was initially recorded.
The Home Minister made the announcement on social media platform X, emphasizing that consent to record an image or video does not translate to consent for its sharing or circulation. He clarified, "This direction reinforces the constitutional right to privacy and ensures a uniform, victim-sensitive and legally sound response across all police stations in Karnataka." This distinction is crucial, as it addresses a common misconception that initial consent to record implies permission for wider distribution.
Under the new Standing Order, police officers across Karnataka are now directed to take immediate action in such cases. The mandate requires FIRs to be registered under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Information Technology Act, 2000. Specifically, Sections 77 of the BNS, wherever applicable, alongside Sections 66E, 67, and 67A of the IT Act, are to be invoked. This legal framework provides a robust basis for prosecuting offenders.
Furthermore, the order addresses potential jurisdictional challenges. If the primary police station lacks jurisdiction, they are instructed to register a Zero-FIR and promptly transfer the case to the appropriate authority. Beyond registration, the police are also tasked with taking swift measures to remove or block offending content, meticulously preserve electronic evidence, and collaborate closely with Cyber Crime Police Stations and the CID Cyber Division for specialized technical investigations. This comprehensive approach aims to offer victims immediate relief and ensure thorough investigation and prosecution.
This move by the Karnataka government is a significant stride in safeguarding individuals' digital privacy and combating the pervasive issue of online sexual harassment and exploitation. It sets a precedent for a more proactive and victim-centric response to digital crimes across the state.
