Karnataka Enforces FIR Registration for Revenge Porn and Sextortion Cases

In a significant move to combat the growing menace of digital harassment, the Karnataka government has announced that police will now be required to register first information reports (FIRs) in cases related to non-consensual sharing of intimate images and videos. This directive encompasses serious offenses such as revenge pornography and sextortion. State Home Minister Priyank Kharge made the announcement on Thursday, emphasizing the critical need for legal protection in the digital age.

Kharge reiterated a crucial point: “Consent to record is not consent to share.” This statement underscores the misconception that individuals who consent to the recording of intimate content also give permission for its future dissemination. He warned that police officers who fail to file complaints, citing prior consent from the complainant, could face disciplinary actions. This initiative aims to foster a more responsive law enforcement environment conducive to addressing such sensitive issues.

The Karnataka Police have issued a standing order mandating immediate action on these complaints. The directive clarifies that even if the content was initially captured with the individual’s consent, any subsequent sharing, publishing, or transmission without explicit permission is classified as a separate cognizable offense. This is a critical step in recognizing and addressing the complexities surrounding consent in the digital world.

Under the new guidelines, police are instructed to register cases under several legal provisions, including Section 77 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with voyeurism, and Sections 66E, 67, and 67A of the Information Technology Act, which focus on privacy violations and the online dissemination of obscene material. This comprehensive legal framework aims to empower victims and ensure that their grievances are taken seriously by law enforcement agencies.

Additionally, in situations involving threats, extortion, or coercion for sexual favors, officers are also directed to invoke relevant sections pertaining to these offenses. This multifaceted approach highlights the state government’s commitment to tackling the issue of digital abuse comprehensively. As technology continues to evolve, creating avenues for misuse, the need for robust legal measures becomes increasingly vital.

Source: scroll.in