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News India Live, Digital Desk: The Indian government is preparing for a major diplomatic and technological change to make the internet world safe. You may soon have to provide proof of your real identity and age to use your favorite social media platforms (like Instagram, Facebook), dating apps (like Tinder, Bumble) and online gaming apps. Under the strict provisions of ‘Digital India Act 2026’ and ‘DPDP Act 2023’, the government is preparing a manual in which users will KYC (Know Your Customer) And Age Verification can be made mandatory. The main objective of this step is to eliminate the growing cyber crimes against women and children and the web of fake profiles.
Why was there a need for these strict rules?
Recent reports from parliamentary panels and the IT Ministry have expressed deep concern over the proliferation of fake accounts on social media and dating apps without any identity verification. These ‘fake profiles’ are being used for online fraud, cyber stalking, and spreading obscene content. The incidents of targeting girls by hiding their identities, especially on dating apps, have forced the government to take strict action. Now companies will not be able to rely only on ‘self declaration’ (just filling the date of birth), but they will have to demand concrete proof.
‘Graded approach’ of 2026: Restrictions will be imposed according to age
Under the proposed new rules, the government may adopt a ‘graded approach’, in which there will be different rules for different age groups:
8 to 12 years: The strictest restrictions and mandatory parental monitoring.
12 to 16 years: Controlled access and content filtering.
16 to 18 years: Relatively few restrictions but strict monitoring.
18+ (Adult): Full access, but only after certified KYC.
Aadhaar and DigiLocker can become the basis of verification
Among the proposals being considered by the IT Ministry (MeitY) Aadhaar-based token system Or DigiLocker It has been said that age verification will be done through. Apart from this, modern technologies like ‘Facial Age Estimation’ (detecting age from face through AI) are also being discussed. Companies can be directed not to process the data of children under 13 without the certified consent of their parents. If any app is found violating these rules, heavy fines and ban can also be imposed on it.
‘High-risk’ flags on gaming and dating apps
KYC is already required for online gaming apps that involve real money, but ‘age-gating’ may now become mandatory for casual gaming apps as well. A rule of ‘periodic re-verification’ may be introduced for dating apps, to ensure that the account is being used by the person whose identity has been certified. A ‘high-risk flag’ will be placed on profiles that are repeatedly reported, so that other users can be alerted in advance.
Privacy vs security challenge
However, debate has also erupted among experts regarding these rules. Critics believe that asking for government ID on every app can put users’ privacy at risk and increase the fear of data leakage. In response to this, the government is working on ‘Privacy-Preserving Proof’ technology, in which the user will only have to provide certified proof of “I am 18+” without revealing their full identity. A big announcement regarding these rules is expected in the coming monsoon session.
