New Delhi, March 29, IPU Media Update News: The Central Government has taken a landmark decision. It has put forward key proposals aimed at curbing harassment perpetrated through social media platforms. In this regard, a decision has been taken to make KYC (Know Your Customer) verification mandatory across all social media, dating (including Instagram and Facebook), and gaming platforms operating within the country. The Parliamentary Standing Committee recommended these proposals. These recommendations form part of the Fourth Report of the Committee on Empowerment of Women for the year 2025-26. This report was tabled in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha on Monday.

In addition to KYC, the report incorporates several other critical aspects. These include key areas such as forensic capabilities, the regulation of deepfakes, international cooperation, and the rehabilitation of victims. However, the KYC proposal is being highlighted as not only the most significant measure but also the one expected to have the greatest impact. The report explicitly states that mandatory KYC verification must be introduced across all social media, dating, and gaming platforms to effectively curb the proliferation of fake profiles and to rein in anonymous harassers.

Furthermore, the Parliamentary Standing Committee has suggested that periodic re-verification be conducted on these social media platforms at regular intervals. It also stipulated that accounts generating a high volume of complaints regarding such misuse should be designated as “high-risk” accounts. The committee also recommended imposing penalties on platforms that fail to protect women and children.

** Key Details **

* Decision : The Parliamentary Standing Committee has submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, recommending that KYC (Know Your Customer) verification be made mandatory for social media users in India.

* Scope : It has been recommended that this regulation be extended not only to social media platforms but also to dating and gaming platforms.

* Rules : Similar to bank accounts, identity verification will be required for social media accounts as well. Periodic re-verification will also be mandatory.

* Objective : To promote women’s empowerment, strengthen cyber security, and curb online harassment.

* Impact : This measure is expected to make the creation of fake accounts more difficult and facilitate the identification of cybercriminals.

Despite certain security-related concerns surrounding this proposal, it is regarded as a pivotal step toward enhancing digital security.

— M Venkata T Reddy, News Editor And Investigative Journalist