A parliamentary panel has recommended mandatory Know Your Customer verification for users of social media and other online platforms in India, aiming to improve safety for women and minors.
The proposal, made by the Parliamentary Committee on the Empowerment of Women, has been submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting as part of a report on cybercrime and cybersecurity.
The committee has suggested introducing KYC-based identity and age verification across social media platforms, dating apps, and gaming services to curb misuse and ensure accountability of users.
According to the report, such measures could help tackle fake profiles, anonymous harassment, and cyberstalking. It also proposes periodic re-verification of accounts and closer monitoring of users who receive repeated complaints.
The panel has further recommended stricter licensing norms and stronger age checks for dating and gaming platforms, along with heavy penalties for non-compliance.
The report noted that fake accounts often contribute to online abuse, identity theft, and the non-consensual sharing of private content.
While the recommendations are aimed at making digital spaces safer, they are likely to raise concerns around privacy and data security, with experts warning that mandatory KYC could lead to debates over handling and protection of personal data.