New Delhi, 4th Dec. The Indian government has taken a significant step toward safeguarding children’s online privacy by proposing new rules under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act. According to the draft regulations, minors under the age of 18 will require parental consent to open accounts on social media platforms.
These guidelines, currently open for public consultation, aim to ensure that children’s personal data is processed only with explicit parental approval. The responsibility for verifying this consent lies with “Data Fiduciaries” – entities that manage and process user data.
This move is part of broader efforts to enhance digital safety for minors, addressing growing concerns about online privacy, exposure to harmful content, and the misuse of personal data. By enforcing stricter controls, the government aims to create a more secure digital environment for young users.
Critics, however, have raised questions about the practical challenges of implementing such measures, including concerns over the technological feasibility of verifying parental consent and the potential impact on digital accessibility for teenagers.
The draft rules reflect India’s evolving approach to digital governance, balancing the need for privacy with fostering a safer online ecosystem for vulnerable users. Public feedback on the proposals will shape the final regulations, making this a critical moment for stakeholders to voice their perspectives.
