Parents’ consent now mandatory for children’s social media accounts

Children may soon require parents’ consent to access social media accounts under proposed new rules from the Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025. This draft, by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), stresses parents’ consent before opening social media accounts and requires it to be verifiable.

The draft was released on Friday for public feedback, and objections and suggestions can be given through mygov.in till February 18. Officials clarified that the rules are to ensure responsible data processing for children and people with disabilities.

The draft points out that processing personal data of minors should be based on verifiable consent from a parent or guardian. Social media sites should ensure strict verification processes for the identity and age of adults who provide this consent. The rules emphasize that while verifying the legitimacy of parents’ consent for social media accounts, they should not compromise existing laws.

Parents’ consent will be mandatory for social media accounts, strict action to be taken if not followed

The draft is rich in the following key features: enhanced user rights, where users can request data deletion and ask why their personal data is being collected; and rules require companies to increase transparency and accountability in handling consumer data. If not followed, this could result in penalties of up to ₹250 crore for data breaches.

Additionally, the draft offers clear definitions for intermediaries. It categorizes sites such as online gaming sites and social media sites, including what is expected of them regarding data handling and protection of consumers.

The government maintains that the guidelines ensure safety on the digital platform and that citizens are in charge of their information. It proposes that children require parents’ approval before creating a social media account; this ensures the protection of the vulnerable and ensures the digital platform is safe.

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