A parliamentary panel has proposed mandatory KYC verification for users across social media, dating and gaming platforms to curb fake accounts and online abuse. It also suggested periodic re-verification and stricter norms for high-risk apps. The recommendations aim to improve accountability but may raise concerns around privacy, surveillance and data security.

A Parliamentary committee has called for mandatory identity verification across digital platforms in India, recommending that social media apps, dating platforms, and online games require users to complete KYC authentication before accessing their services. The move, if adopted, could significantly reshape how Indians interact online.

What the Panel has recommended

The Parliamentary Committee on the Empowerment of Women has urged the Home Ministry and the IT Ministry to make user verification mandatory, stating that linking accounts to verified identities would help reduce fake profiles, impersonation, and anonymous harassment. The panel has also called for periodic re-verification of users and the implementation of high-risk flags for accounts that have been repeatedly reported for abusive behaviour.

Dating and gaming apps in the crosshairs