India
Asia
Age Verification Compliance Overview
This page provides comprehensive age verification and compliance information for India. Our research team continuously monitors regulatory changes, enforcement actions, and legal developments to ensure businesses have access to up-to-date compliance intelligence.
India has implemented a complete prohibition on age-restricted adult content, classified as "Banned". This ban typically includes website blocking, payment processing restrictions, and potential criminal penalties for violations. Businesses should not attempt to operate in this jurisdiction without explicit legal counsel, as enforcement may include criminal prosecution, substantial fines, and reputational damage.
The information below includes regulatory status, legal requirements, enforcement mechanisms, penalties for non-compliance, acceptable verification methods, and relevant regulatory authorities. This data is essential for platforms, content providers, and businesses that need to implement age-appropriate access controls or verify user ages.
Please note: Adult content access is currently prohibited in India. This ban may affect website accessibility, payment processing, and service availability. Businesses should consult legal counsel before operating in this jurisdiction.
Minimum Age
N/A (Banned)
Content is completely prohibited
Age Gate Required
Yes
Age verification is mandatory
Last Verified
10/12/2025
Most recent data update
Regulatory Timeline
Historical changes and upcoming regulatory events
- Banned
Webinar on DPDPA age assurance requirements: A Biometric Update webinar discussed the implications of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) for businesses and Indian internet users, including age assurance requirements.
- Banned
MIB banned 25 OTT apps and associated content: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) banned 25 OTT apps, 40 social media accounts, and 26 streaming websites for showing soft porn.
- Banned
MeitY released draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) released the draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025 for public consultation.
- Banned
MIB banned 18 OTT apps and associated content: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) banned eighteen OTT apps, suspended 57 social media accounts, and closed 19 streaming websites for vulgar content.
- Banned
Broadcasting Services (Regulations) Bill introduced: The Broadcasting Services (Regulations) Bill was introduced.
- Banned
Government assured rules to check vulgar content on social media/OTT: The Government of India assured that it would bring rules and regulation to check vulgar and obscene content on social media and OTT platforms.
- Banned
Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 passed: The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 was passed (approximately 17 months before Jan 6, 2025).
- Banned
DOT banned 63 porn websites: The Department of Telecommunications (DOT) banned 63 porn websites as per the IT Act (2021 Amendment).
- Banned
Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 effective: The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 became effective.
- Banned
Supreme Court instructed government to curb harmful activities: The Supreme Court instructed the government 'to suggest the ways and means so that these activities are curbed. The innocent children cannot be made prey to these kind of painful situations'.
- Banned
India lifted ban on internet pornography: India lifted the ban on internet pornography after widespread outrage.
- Banned
DOT banned 857 pornographic websites: The Department of Telecommunications (DOT) banned 857 pornographic websites.
- Banned
Supreme Court statement on private porn consumption: The Supreme Court of India refused to allow the blocking of pornographic websites and said that watching pornography indoors in the privacy of one's own home was not a crime.
- Banned
Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 enacted: The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 was enacted.
- Banned
The Information Technology Act, 2000 enforced: The Information Technology Act, 2000 came into force.
- Banned
The Information Technology Act, 2000 enacted: The Information Technology Act, 2000 was enacted.
Data Sources
Legal documents and references supporting this data
Showing 5 of 12 sources
indiacode.nic.in1999
pib.gov.inPressReleasePage.aspx
meity.gov.inmeity-releases-draft-digital-personal-data-protection-rules-2025-public-consultation
pib.gov.inPressReleasePage.aspx
indialawoffices.comis-watching-porn-illegal-in-india-laws-and-regulations
All sources are evaluated for credibility and relevance. Primary sources indicate official legal documents and government publications. Credibility scores reflect source reliability based on jurisdiction, publication authority, and verification status.
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Regulatory Authorities
Regulator contacts will appear here as they become available.