Parental Consent May Soon Be Required for Kids to Access Social Media Platforms

The government has introduced new rules under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act. These rules focus on stricter controls for children using social media and better protection of personal information, especially for kids and people with disabilities. One key change is that children under 18 will need parental approval to create social media accounts. Companies will have to use special digital codes to verify this permission, ensuring stronger safeguards for young users.

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The government has assured that any suggestions or feedback received from the public on these rules will remain private and not be shared with others. If a company, such as a social media platform or bank, leaks someone’s personal data, they will need to inform the person immediately. The company must explain what happened, when it occurred, the potential effects, and steps to stay safe.

Companies handling children’s personal data must get parental consent before managing it. For children under 18 who want to open social media accounts, platforms will be required to confirm parental approval. There will be flexibility in the regulations for schools and organizations working for children to ensure they can operate smoothly.

The rules also introduce consent managers, responsible for ensuring companies follow these laws. These managers will need to register with the Data Protection Board and have at least Rs 12 crore in funds to qualify. Public feedback on these rules will be collected until February 18, 2025, after which the government will finalize the framework to enhance personal data safety and hold companies accountable for protecting it.