As the digital world continues to reshape lives, the Indian government has introduced the Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025 under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. These draft rules aim to protect children from the risks posed by the online realm, including exposure to inappropriate content and exploitation through targeted advertising.
A central feature of the draft rules is the requirement for verifiable parental consent before processing a child’s data. This means platforms like social media and online gaming services must ensure parents or guardians explicitly approve any data collection or usage involving minors. This step is designed to prevent businesses from exploiting children’s data for financial gain and protect them from behavioural profiling, which can have long-term effects on their psychological development.
Key Provisions of the Draft Rules
- Parental Consent for Data Usage
- Platforms must obtain verifiable parental consent before processing children’s data. Parents will have the ability to monitor, manage, and withdraw consent through user-friendly consent management systems.
- Safeguards in Educational Institutions
- Schools and allied institutions are restricted from processing children’s data beyond what is essential for educational purposes or student safety. Activities like tracking attendance and ensuring transportation security are permissible, but excessive or irrelevant data collection is strictly prohibited.
- Filtering Inappropriate Content
- Platforms must implement measures to block harmful or age-inappropriate content, such as violence and explicit material, to protect children’s mental and emotional well-being.
- Role of Consent Managers
- Consent managers will act as intermediaries, ensuring transparency in data handling. They are tasked with maintaining detailed records of all consent-related activities, bolstering accountability and empowering parents to oversee their children’s data usage.
Also Read: The Vital Role of Reading and Writing in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Tackling Challenges for Effective Implementation
While the draft rules signify a progressive leap, challenges remain. For instance, the integration of verified digital IDs like Aadhaar with consent management systems is crucial to streamline processes. Collaboration between regulators, technology companies, and parents will be key to ensuring a safer digital environment for children.
The draft rules highlight the dual nature of the digital world. While it offers vast opportunities for learning and entertainment, it also presents significant risks. By prioritizing children’s privacy and safety, the government’s initiative underscores the importance of creating a secure online space for India’s youngest and most vulnerable users.
Public feedback on the draft rules is currently being sought, with policymakers emphasizing the need for collective responsibility in shaping a digital landscape that prioritizes the well-being of children.
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