KSPCA recommends ban on Karnataka police posting social media reels in uniform

The Karnataka State Police Complaints Authority (KSPCA) has recommended a state-wide ban on police personnel posting social media reels, photographs, and pre-wedding shoots in uniform, citing poor compliance with a previous order in Bengaluru. In a letter dated July 14, 2026, the authority stated that the growing "Khaki Swag" trend undermines the dignity, discipline, and public trust associated with the force.

KSPCA member Mohan Kumar Danappa addressed the letter to the Director-General and Inspector-General of Police (DG&IGP). The letter urged the Police Department to issue strict directions prohibiting officers and personnel of all ranks from uploading photographs, videos, blogs, or reels in police uniform on their personal social media accounts.

The authority observed that while the police uniform symbolises discipline, integrity, and public service, some personnel have increasingly used it for personal publicity. This includes creating dance videos, pre-wedding shoots, motivational content, and blogs featuring official vehicles, firearms, and other police equipment. The KSPCA also expressed concern over senior officers allegedly using official duties, inspections, law and order bandobast, and crime scene visits to create promotional videos.

According to the letter, such content raises significant security concerns and potentially violates the Official Secrets Act, 1923, by exposing official premises, weapons, and operational details. The authority also noted that fraudsters have misused photographs of uniformed officers to create fake social media accounts and cheat members of the public.

The KSPCA pointed out that several states, including Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, and Bihar, have already restricted police personnel from posting social media content in uniform. It also referred to a Standing Order issued by the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner on July 22, 2024, against such practices, noting that compliance has remained poor.

Among its recommendations, the KSPCA has sought a complete ban on posting uniformed photographs, reels, or videos, as well as using uniformed photos as display pictures. It recommended the removal of all existing uniformed media from personal accounts and fan pages, continuous monitoring of social media accounts by the department's social media cell, and disciplinary action against violators. Additionally, the authority recommended that all police academies and training centres prohibit trainees from sharing uniformed media or displaying firearms on social media.