HIGHLIGHTS
Table of Contents
ToggleIn our contemporary digital landscape, youngsters are increasingly engaged online, which poses a variety of risks to their privacy and safety. To address these concerns, the government has introduced a significant draft of the Digital Personal Data Protection Rules. This initiative emphasizes the necessity for children under the age of 18 to secure parental consent before they can create social media accounts, aiming to create a safer online environment for our youth.
Let’s explore the specifics of this draft in greater detail.
The drafted document articulates, “Draft of rules proposed to be made by the central government in the exercise of the powers conferred by sub-sections (1) and (2) of section 40 of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (22 of 2023), on or after the date of coming into force of the Act, are hereby published for the information of all individuals likely to be affected thereby.”
Furthermore, the rules address the growing concern regarding data breaches. They mandate that individuals affected by such breaches be notified about the specifics of the incident, including its impact and available corrective actions. However, it’s worth noting that the draft does not specify penalties for parties that violate these regulations.
Additional insights can be gained from: Social media ban coming for Australians under 16; get the details.
The consultation period for the public will remain open until February 18, 2025, during which the government will gather feedback and insights from citizens. After this date, it will proceed to finalize the regulations. According to the notification, “Notice is hereby given that the said draft rules shall be taken into consideration after 18th February, 2025.”
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has actively invited the public to express their views, objections, or suggestions regarding the draft on the MyGov.in platform. This openness underscores the government’s commitment to transparency and public engagement.
In the wake of increasing global discussions centered around the safety of children online, many countries have taken steps to implement stricter regulations aimed at protecting young users. The draft rules proposed in India are a reflection of this global paradigm shift and represent a crucial step toward establishing a more secure digital space for children, ensuring that their privacy and security are prioritized.
As technology continues to evolve, so too do the challenges associated with its use, particularly by vulnerable populations such as children. By mandating parental consent for minors wishing to create social media accounts, these draft regulations aim to help guardians better monitor their children’s online interactions, fostering a safer digital engagement.
This initiative not only hopes to shield young users from potential threats but also intends to educate parents about their children’s online activities. Ongoing dialogue and public engagement will be essential as these rules move forward, ensuring that all stakeholders can contribute to developing a responsible and safe digital landscape.
As the digital era progresses, protecting children’s interests online has taken center stage, and the Indian government’s draft rules signify proactive steps toward safeguarding youth in the ever-changing digital environment.