Government Strengthens Measures Against Digital Addiction; 11.37 Lakh Citizens Reached via 6,650 Cyber Awareness Workshops
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The government has intensified efforts to combat digital addiction and enhance online safety, particularly for children. Over 11.37 lakh citizens have been reached through 6,650 cyber awareness workshops. Additionally, 50 OTT platforms have been blocked in the last two years for hosting obscene content.
Background
Digital addiction, especially among youth aged 15-29, has been highlighted as a serious public health challenge in the Economic Survey 2025-26. The legal framework includes the IT Act, 2000, IT Rules, 2021, and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
Key facts
Government blocked 50 OTT platforms in the last two years for violating IT Act sections 67, 67A, BNS section 294, and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.
IT Rules mandate intermediaries to remove unlawful content within three hours of a court order or government notice.
Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 requires parental consent for processing children's data and prohibits tracking, behavioral monitoring, or targeted advertising for children.
Online Gaming (Promotion and Regulation) Act, 2025 addresses digital addiction and financial losses among youth.
Economic Survey 2025-26 identified digital addiction as a serious public health challenge for youth aged 15-29, with symptoms including anxiety, depression, sleep issues, cyberbullying, and financial losses.
6,650 cyber awareness workshops conducted under the Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA) project, reaching over 11.37 lakh participants including students, teachers, law enforcement, and the public.
IT Act section 79(3)(b) provides for intermediaries to remove or disable access to unlawful content upon notification.
Prelims pointers
- IT Act, 2000
- IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021
- Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023
- Online Gaming (Promotion and Regulation) Act, 2025
- Economic Survey 2025-26
- Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA) project
- Sections 67, 67A of IT Act
- BNS section 294
- Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986
Mains angles
- Discuss the effectiveness of India's legal framework in addressing digital addiction and protecting children online.
- Critically examine the role of intermediaries in regulating online content and ensuring user safety.
- Analyze the impact of digital addiction on youth mental health and the measures taken by the government.