Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2025 Boost Online Security, Parental Consent Requirements and User Data Rights

India has officially implemented the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules 2025, marking a major step toward stronger online privacy and data security. These new rules give people more control over how their personal information is collected, used and stored on apps and websites. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Google, Amazon and other digital services must now follow strict data protection standards or face heavy penalties.

The DPDP Rules put India's first major data privacy law, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023, into full effect.The purpose is simple that consumers should understand how their data is used and have the ability to access, correct, or remove information at any time. The regulation also imposes significant responsibility on companies that collect user data.

Key Definitions and Safety Requirements

To understand the rules easily, two important terms are helpful. A Data Principal is the user whose information is being collected. A Data Fiduciary is the company or app that collects and manages this data.The new guidelines make sure both sides know their rights and responsibilities.

Under the DPDP Rules 2025, online platforms must use "reasonable safeguards" to secure personal information.This involves utilizing encryption, masking, and virtual tokens to render data unreadable to unauthorized users. Apps must also keep activity logs that show who has accessed user data. The logs must be retained for at least a year.

Protection for minors is a key priority. Apps must now take verified consent from a parent before collecting data from anyone under 18, which means stricter age checks and parental approval for young users.

Major Changes and Compliance Requirements

Parental consent required: Companies must get verified parental approval before processing any data belonging to children under 18.

Data deletion after inactivity: Users’ personal data must be deleted after three years of inactivity, with a 48-hour warning given before deletion.

Mandatory breach notifications: Platforms must immediately inform users about any personal data breach and clearly explain what happened, what risks exist and what steps users should take.

Restrictions on overseas data transfer: Certain types of personal data cannot be transferred outside India, based on government rules.

A specialized Data Protection Board will serve as a digital platform where consumers can file complaints online. Appeals can be made to the TDSAT. Companies that violate the guidelines could face penalties of up to Rs 25 crore. The platforms have been given 18 months to comply.The DPDP Rules 2025 also provide users significant rights. Anyone can seek access to their personal information or ask businesses to correct, update, or delete it. Companies must respond within 90 days. Big companies designated as "Significant Data Fiduciaries" must also follow stricter regulations, such as regular audits and risk assessments.

Conclusion

India’s new data protection framework brings the country closer to global privacy standards and strengthens trust in the digital ecosystem.The rules empower users with more control over their personal data and demand clear accountability from companies. With tighter security practices, parental consent rules, strict reporting requirements and strong user rights, the DPDP Rules 2025 make online platforms more responsible and transparent. This marks a key milestone in India’s journey toward a safer, more secure and user-first digital future.

Information referenced in this article is from Times of India