Indian Government Mandates Parental Consent for Minors' Social Media Accounts

Team Finance Saathi

    04/Jan/2025

What's covered under the Article:

  1. New rules on social media registration for minors, mandating parental consent.
  2. Data privacy protection measures and verification processes introduced for children under 18.
  3. The public consultation period for the new policy running until February 18, 2025.

In a significant move to protect minors from online risks, the Indian Government has introduced draft rules under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act of 2023, which mandate that children under 18 years of age must obtain parental consent before creating social media accounts. This new regulation aims to ensure that the privacy and data security of minors are prioritized as they engage with digital platforms. The draft rules have been published in The Gazette of India and are now open for public consultation until February 18, 2025.

Key Provisions of the Draft Rules

The newly proposed rules are designed to address growing concerns about data privacy and the safety of children in the increasingly digital world. Under the rules, social media platforms are required to verify the identity and age of parents before allowing minors to register accounts. This measure aims to shield minors from potential online dangers, such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and privacy violations.

Additionally, these rules emphasize the importance of consent, ensuring that parents or guardians give their explicit permission before minors are allowed access to platforms. The aim is to provide a safer online environment for children and give parents more control over their children’s digital presence.

Parental Consent Verification Process

To ensure the integrity of the process, the rules propose a robust system for verifying parental consent. Platforms will need to implement measures to confirm the identity of the parent or guardian and ensure that the consent provided is valid. This could include the use of secure authentication methods and digital signatures to prevent any fraud or misuse.

Public Consultation and Feedback Period

The government has opened the draft rules for public consultation to gather feedback from stakeholders, including parents, digital platforms, and privacy experts. This consultation period will last until February 18, 2025, providing ample time for the public to voice their opinions and suggestions on the proposed rules. Once the consultation phase concludes, the government will review the feedback and finalize the rules for implementation.

Impact on Social Media Platforms

The implementation of these rules could have a significant impact on how social media platforms operate in India. Companies will need to revise their registration processes to incorporate parental consent verification and ensure compliance with these new regulations. This could require substantial changes in their infrastructure to meet the standards set by the Digital Personal Data Protection Act.

Focus on Child Protection in the Digital Age

The introduction of these rules is part of a broader effort by the Indian government to protect children’s digital rights and create a safer internet environment for younger users. As children increasingly use the internet for socializing, education, and entertainment, these measures are essential to mitigate the risks associated with online interactions.

Looking Ahead

With the government placing a strong emphasis on data privacy and child safety, this regulatory shift could set the tone for how social media platforms will be governed in India moving forward. It also aligns with global trends in data protection and child safety, marking India’s commitment to safeguarding minors' rights in the digital space.

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