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The Rise of Tech Use Amongst Children

Technology today has become an invaluable resource for children, as a means to research issues, be informed about events, gather data, and share views and experiences with others. Technology is no longer limited to certain age groups or professions: children today are using it for learning & entertainment, engaging with their friends, online games and much more. With increased digital access, children are also exposed to online mis/disinformation and other forms of cyber crimes, far more than their parents, caregivers, and educators were in their childhood or are, even in the present. Children are particularly vulnerable to mis/disinformation due to their still-evolving maturity and cognitive capacities. The innocence of the youth is a major cause for concern when it comes to digital access because children simply do not possess the discernment and caution required to be able to navigate the Internet safely. They are active users of online resources and their presence on social media is an important factor of social, political and civic engagement but young people and children often lack the cognitive and emotional capacity needed to distinguish between reliable and unreliable information. As a result, they can be targets of mis/disinformation. ‘A UNICEF survey in 10 countries’[1] reveals that up to three-quarters of children reported feeling unable to judge the veracity of the information they encounter online.

Social media has become a crucial part of children's lives, with them spending a significant time on digital platforms such as Youtube, Facebook, Instagram and more. All these platforms act as source of news, educational content, entertainment, peer communication and more. These platforms host a variety of different kinds of content across a diverse range of subject matters, and each platform’s content and privacy policies are different. Despite age restrictions under the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), and other applicable laws, it is easy for children to falsify their birth date or use their parent's accounts to access content which might not be age-appropriate. 

The Impact of Misinformation on Children

In virtual settings, inaccurate information can come in the form of text, images, or videos shared through traditional and social media channels. In this age, online misinformation is a significant cause for concern, especially with children, because it  can cause anxiety, damage self-esteem, shape beliefs, and skewing their worldview/viewpoints. It can distort children's understanding of reality, hinder their critical thinking skills, and cause confusion and cognitive dissonance. The growing infodemic can even cause an overdose of information. Misinformation can also influence children's social interactions, leading to misunderstandings, conflicts, and mistrust among peers. Children from low literacy backgrounds are more susceptible to fabricated content. Mis/disinformation can exacerbate social divisions amongst peers and lead to unwanted behavioural patterns. Sometimes even children themselves can unwittingly spread/share misinformation. Therefore, it is important to educate & empower children to build cognitive defenses against online misinformation risks, promote media literacy skills, and equip them with the necessary tools to critically evaluate online information.

CyberPeace Policy Wing Recommendations

1. Role of Parents & Educators to Build Cognitive Defenses

One way parents shape their children's values, beliefs and actions is through modelling. Children observe how their parents use technology, handle challenging situations, and make decisions. For example, parents who demonstrate honesty, encourage healthy use of social media and show kindness and empathy are more likely to raise children who hold these qualities in high regard. Hence parents/educators play an important role in shaping the minds of their young charges and their behaviours, whether in offline or online settings. It is important for parents/educators to realise that they must pay close attention to how online content consumption is impacting the cognitive skills of their child. Parents/educators should educate children about authentic sources of information. This involves instructing children on the importance of using reliable, credible sources to utilise while researching on any topic of study or otherwise, and using verification mechanisms to test suspected information., This may sound like a challenging ideal to meet, but the earlier we teach children about Prebunking and Debunking strategies and the ability to differentiate between fact and misleading information, the sooner we can help them build cognitive defenses so that they may use the Internet safely. Hence it becomes paramount important for parents/educators to require children to question the validity of information, verify sources, and critically analyze content. Developing these skills is essential for navigating the digital world effectively and making informed decisions.

2. The Role of Tech & Social Media Companies to Fortify their Steps in Countering Misinformation

Is worth noting that all major tech/social media companies have privacy policies in place to discourage any spread of harmful content or misinformation. Social media platforms have already initiated efforts to counter misinformation by introducing new features such as adding context to content, labelling content, AI watermarks and collaboration with civil society organisations to counter the widespread online misinformation. In light of this, social media platforms must prioritise both the designing and the practical implementation aspects of policy development and deployment to counter misinformation strictly. These strategies can be further improved upon  through government support and regulatory controls. It is recommended that social media platforms must further increase their efforts to counter increasing spread of online mis/disinformation and apply advanced techniques to counter misinformation including filtering, automated removal, detection and prevention, watermarking, increasing reporting mechanisms, providing context to suspected content, and promoting authenticated/reliable sources of information.

Social media platforms should consider developing children-specific help centres that host educational content in attractive, easy-to-understand formats so that children can learn about misinformation risks and tactics, how to spot red flags and how to increase their information literacy and protect themselves and their peers. Age-appropriate, attractive and simple content can go a long way towards fortifying young minds and making them aware and alert without creating fear. 

3. Laws and Regulations

It is important that the government and the social media platforms work in sync to counteract misinformation. The government must consult with the concerned platforms and enact rules and regulations which strengthen the platform’s age verification mechanisms at the sign up/ account creation stage whilst also respecting user privacy. Content moderation, removal of harmful content, and strengthening reporting mechanisms all are important factors which must be prioritised at both the regulatory level and the platform operational level. Additionally, in order to promote healthy and responsible use of technology by children, the government should collaborate with other institutions to design information literacy programs at the school level. The government must make it a key priority to work with civil society organisations and expert groups that run programs to fight misinformation and co-create  a safe cyberspace for everyone, including children. 

4. Expert Organisations and Civil Societies

Cybersecurity experts and civil society organisations possess the unique blend of large scale impact potential and technical expertise. We have the ability to educate and empower huge numbers, along with the skills and policy acumen needed to be able to not just make people aware of the problem but also teach them how to solve it for themselves. True, sustainable solutions to any social concern only come about when capacity-building and empowerment are at the heart of the initiative. Programs that prioritise resilience, teach Prebunking and Debunking and are able to understand the unique concerns, needs and abilities of children and design solutions accordingly are the best suited to implement the administration’s mission to create a safe digital society. 

Final Words 

Online misinformation significantly impacts child development and can hinder their cognitive abilities, color their viewpoints, and cause confusion and mistrust. It is important that children are taught not just how to use technology but how to use it responsibly and positively. This education can begin at a very young age and parents, guardians and educators can connect with CyberPeace and other similar initiatives on how to define age-appropriate learning milestones. Together, we can not only empower children to be safe today, but also help them develop into netizens who make the world even safer for others tomorrow. 

References:

• [1] Digital misinformation / disinformation and children
• [2] Children's Privacy | Federal Trade Commission

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Introduction:

The Ministry of Civil Aviation, GOI, established the initiative ‘DigiYatra’ to ensure hassle-free and health-risk-free journeys for travellers/passengers. The initiative uses a single token of face biometrics to digitally validate identity, travel, and health along with any other data needed to enable air travel. 

Cybersecurity is a top priority for the DigiYatra platform administrators, with measures implemented to mitigate risks of data loss, theft, or leakage. With over 6.5 million users, DigiYatra is an important step forward for India, in the direction of secure digital travel with seamless integration of proactive cybersecurity protocols. This blog focuses on examining the development, challenges and implications that stand in the way of securing digital travel. 

What is DigiYatra? A Quick Overview

DigiYatra is a flagship initiative by the Government of India to enable paperless travel, reducing identity checks for a seamless airport experience. This technology allows the entry of passengers to be automatically processed based on a facial recognition system at all the checkpoints at the airports, including main entry, security check areas, aircraft boarding, and more. 

This technology makes the boarding process quick and seamless as each passenger needs less than three seconds to pass through every touchpoint. Passengers’ faces essentially serve as their documents (ID proof and if required, Vaccine Proof) and their boarding passes. 

DigiYatra has also enhanced airport security as passenger data is validated by the Airlines Departure Control System. It allows only the designated passengers to enter the terminal. Additionally, the entire DigiYatra Process is non-intrusive and automatic. In improving long-standing security and operational airport protocols, the platform has also significantly improved efficiency and output for all airport professionals, from CISF personnel to airline staff members. 

Policy Origins and Framework

Rooted in the Government of India's Digital India campaign and enabled by the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) 2016, DigiYatra aims to modernise air travel by integrating Aadhaar-based passenger identification. While Aadhaar is currently the primary ID, efforts are underway to include other identification methods. The platform, supported by stakeholders like the Airports Authority of India (26%) and private airports (14.8% each), must navigate stringent cybersecurity demands. Compliance with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, ensures the secure use of sensitive facial recognition data, while the Aircraft (Security) Rules, 2023, mandate robust interoperability and data protection mechanisms across stakeholders. DigiYatra also aspires to democratise digital travel, extending its reach to underserved airports and non-tech-savvy travellers. As India refines its cybersecurity and privacy frameworks, learning from global best practices is essential to safeguarding data and ensuring seamless, secure air travel operations.

International Practices 

Global practices offer crucial lessons to strengthen DigiYatra's cybersecurity and streamline the seamless travel experience. Initiatives such as CLEAR in the USA and Seamless Traveller initiatives in Singapore offer actionable insights into further expanding the system to its full potential. CLEAR is operational in 58 airports and has more than 17 million users.  Singapore has made Seamless Traveller active since the beginning of 2024 and aims to have a 95% shift to automated lanes by 2026. 

Some additional measures that India can adopt from international initiatives are regular audits and updates to the cybersecurity policies. Further, India can aim for a cross-border policy for international travel. By implementing these recommendations, DigiYatra can not only improve data security and operational efficiency but also establish India as a leader in global aviation security standards, ensuring trust and reliability for millions of travellers

CyberPeace Recommendations

Some recommendations for further improving upon our efforts for seamless and secure digital travel are: 

• Strengthen the legislation on biometric data usage and storage.
• Collaborate with global aviation bodies to develop standardised operations.
• Cybersecurity technologies, such as blockchain for immutable data records, should be adopted alongside encryption standards, data minimisation practices, and anonymisation techniques.
• A cybersecurity-first culture across aviation stakeholders.

Conclusion

DigiYatra represents a transformative step in modernising India’s aviation sector by combining seamless travel with robust cybersecurity. Leveraging facial recognition and secure data validation enhances efficiency while complying with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, and Aircraft (Security) Rules, 2023.

DigiYatra must address challenges like secure biometric data storage, adopt advanced technologies like blockchain, and foster a cybersecurity-first culture to reach its full potential. Expanding to underserved regions and aligning with global best practices will further solidify its impact. With continuous innovation and vigilance, DigiYatra can position India as a global leader in secure, digital travel.

References

• https://government.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/governance/digi-yatra-operates-on-principle-of-privacy-by-design-brings-convenience-security-ceo-digi-yatra-foundation/114926799 
• https://www.livemint.com/news/india/explained-what-is-digiyatra-how-it-will-work-and-other-questions-answered-11660701094885.html 
• https://www.civilaviation.gov.in/sites/default/files/2023-09/ASR%20Notification_published%20in%20Gazette.pdf 

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Introduction 

In recent years, the online gaming sector has seen tremendous growth and is one of the fastest-growing components of the creative economy, contributing significantly to innovation, employment generation and export earnings. India possesses a large pool of skilled young professionals, strong technological capabilities and a rapidly growing domestic market, which together provide an opportunity for the country to assume a leadership role in the global value chain of online gaming. With this, the online gaming industry has also faced an environment of exploitation, abuse, with notable cases of fraud, money laundering, and other emerging cybercrimes. In order to protect the interests of players, ensure fair play and competition, safe and secure online gaming environment, the need for introducing and establishing dedicated gaming regulation was a need of the hour. 

On 20 August 2025, the Union government introduced a new bill, ‘Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025’ in Lok Sabha that seeks to prohibit online money gaming, including advertisements and financial transactions related to such platforms. From the introduction, the said bill was passed at 5 PM on the same date. Further, the upper house of parliament (Rajya Sabha) passed the bill on 21st August 2025. The bill can be seen as a progressive step towards building safer online gaming spaces for everyone, especially for our youth and combating the emerging cybercrime threats present in the online gaming landscape.

Key Highlights of the Bill

The Bill extends to the whole of India. It also applies to any online money gaming service offered within India or operated from outside the country but accessible in India.

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1. Definition of E-sports:

Section 2(1)(c) of the Bill defines e-sports as:-

(i)  is played as part of multi-sports events; 

(ii) involves organised competitive events between individuals or teams, conducted in multiplayer formats governed by predefined rules; 

(iii) is duly recognised under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, and registered with the Authority or agency under section 3; 

(iv) has outcome determined solely by factors such as physical dexterity, mental agility, strategic thinking or other similar skills of users as players; 

(v) may include payment of registration or participation fees solely for the purpose of entering the competition or covering administrative costs and may include performance-based prize money by the player; and 

(vi)shall not involve the placing of bets, wagers or any other stakes by any person, whether or not such person is a participant, including any winning out of such bets, wagers or any other stakes; 

2. Prohibition of Online Money Gaming and Advertisement thereof
   The Bill prohibits the offering of online money games and online money gaming services. It also bans all forms of advertisements or promotions connected to online money games. This includes endorsements by individuals or entities.
3. Financial Transactions
   Banks, financial institutions, and other intermediaries are barred from facilitating transactions related to online money gaming services.
4. Criminal Liability
   Violation of the provisions on online money gaming can result in imprisonment for up to three years, or a fine of up to ₹1 crore, or both. Repeat offenders face stricter punishment with higher fines and longer jail terms.
5. Cognizable and Non-Bailable Offences
   Offences relating to offering online money gaming services and facilitating financial transactions for such games are categorised as cognizable and non-bailable. This gives law enforcement agencies greater power to act without requiring prior approval.

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In conversation with CyberPeace ~

Shailendra Vikram Singh, Former Deputy Secretary (Cyber & Information Security), Ministry of Home Affairs, GOI . He highlighted that

"The passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha highlights the government’s growing priority on national security, public safety, and health in digital regulation. Unfortunately, the real money gaming industry, despite its growth and promise, did not take proactive steps to address these concerns. The absence of safeguards and engagement left the government with no choice but to adopt a blanket ban."Having worked on this issue from both the government and industry side, the clear lesson is that in sensitive digital sectors, early regulatory alignment and constructive dialogue are not optional but essential. Going forward, collaboration is the only way to achieve a balance between innovation and responsibility.”

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CyberPeace Outlook

The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, marks a decisive policy shift by simultaneously fostering the growth of e-sports, educational and social gaming, and imposing an absolute prohibition on online money games. By recognising e-sports as legitimate, skill-based competitive sports under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, and establishing a central Authority for oversight, registration, and regulation, the Bill creates an institutional framework for safe and responsible development of the sector.  The Bill completely bans real money games (RMGs), regardless of whether they are skill-based or chance-based or both, hence it poses significant questions on RMG companies' legal standing, upon which the gaming industry has raised its conundrum. Further, it addresses urgent threats such as cybercrime, gaming addiction, online betting, money laundering, and the misuse of gaming platforms for illicit activities. The move reflects a balanced approach, encouraging innovation and digital skill-building, while safeguarding public order, consumer interests, and financial integrity.

References

1. https://prsindia.org/files/bills_acts/bills_parliament/2025/Bill_Text-Online_Gaming_Bill_2025.pdf
2. https://prsindia.org/billtrack/the-promotion-and-regulation-of-online-gaming-bill-2025
3. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/rajya-sabha-clears-online-gaming-bill-a-day-after-lok-sabha-approval-101755766847840.html

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