The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) is in the final stages of drafting comprehensive guidelines aimed at ensuring the responsible, safe, and age-appropriate use of social media and online gaming platforms by children. The commission concluded its final stakeholder meeting with representatives from major digital companies on Thursday.
According to the NCPCR, the meeting involved discussions with companies including Meta, Google, X, Snapchat, ShareChat, and Reddit. During the session, platform representatives reviewed existing child safety measures and provided feedback on a "child safety implementation matrix." Participants presented their current awareness initiatives, content moderation strategies, and future plans to strengthen protections against risks such as cyberbullying, online grooming, and privacy violations.
Member secretary Sanjeev Sharma stated that the commission is now consolidating the feedback received from tech companies and civil society organisations. While an official familiar with the development told Hindustan Times that the commission aims for a release in the first half of 2027, the Times of India reports that the NCPCR is hopeful the draft will be ready by December. Once completed, the document will be made available for public suggestions for a specified period before being notified for implementation.
The initiative follows a series of consultations held throughout the year, including a session with civil society organisations in July and a separate meeting with gaming platforms in October. These discussions focused on principles such as safety-by-design, age-assurance mechanisms, anti-addictive design, and the prevention of child sexual exploitation and abuse material (CSEAM).
Key facts
- The NCPCR met with representatives from Meta, Google, X, Snapchat, ShareChat, and Reddit on Thursday.
- The "child safety implementation matrix" includes principles like age-appropriate experience, child data protection, and time-bound redressal.
- Previous consultations included a meeting with civil society organisations in July and online gaming platforms in October.
- The commission plans to invite public feedback on the draft guidelines after they are finalised.
Why it matters
The proposed guidelines address growing concerns regarding children's exposure to age-inappropriate content, online exploitation, and privacy risks. By establishing a uniform code of conduct, the commission aims to hold digital platforms accountable for implementing stricter safety mechanisms and reporting systems.
Background
The commission began preparing this framework earlier this year, aiming to establish a uniform code of conduct to strengthen safeguards for children using major digital platforms.
Source: Hindustan Times, Times of India
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