in conversation with TOI’s Manas Gohain BJP MP and Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology, Nishikant Dubey Speaks on digital addiction, AI risks, fake news, cyber fraud, exam stress, online gaming, deepfakes and why India may need stronger digital guardrails for children and youth. Part:your committee has spoken KYC Verification, age restrictions and AI regulation. Why did the committee find these recommendations necessary?As we traveled across constituencies and talked to people, one thing became crystal clear – uncontrolled digital exposure is becoming dangerous, especially for children and teens. See online gaming. Children were secretly using parents’ bank accounts, losing large sums of money, and in some cases families were pushed to extreme distress and even suicidal situations. AI-generated advertising and manipulative digital content are making these platforms even more addictive and difficult to regulate. At the same time, Indian laws were made in a completely different era. When the Press Council Act or the cable TV laws were made, no one had imagined today’s digital ecosystem, where anyone can run a YouTube channel, Facebook channel or digital platform without any accountability. A newspaper faces restrictions in print, but the same content online often escapes institutional oversight. The committee felt that there should be a line somewhere. Countries around the world – including Australia, Singapore and parts of Europe – are already discussing or implementing age-based restrictions for children online. Another concern was how AI is beginning to blur the line between fact and fiction. I personally experienced a situation where fake content generated through digital platforms got mixed into a genuine discussion and the credibility of the entire conversation was compromised. Today, even the courts are facing concerns over AI-generated fake references and fabricated judgments. The Chief Justice of India himself has repeatedly warned about blind reliance on AI tools in legal work. Therefore, when it comes to children and students, the concern naturally becomes even greater. India’s biggest strength is its young population. If future generations turn away from reading, research and critical thinking, it will ultimately affect innovation, productivity and the long-term development ambitions of the country. You used a wonderful comparison – social media is like a drug. why do you say that?Because it works like an addiction. Social media provides a constant psychological “kick.” After some time, children lose interest in studies, books, research and even general human interaction. I’m not saying that kids should be completely cut off from technology. Phones are useful in libraries, online classes and learning. But social media is a different issue. Today, detox classes are being organized globally, in which people are being taught how to stay away from phones. This problem is no longer limited to children only – even adults and elderly people have become victims of its addiction. Just as countries impose age restrictions on alcohol or clubs, the world is beginning to realize that unrestricted social media exposure can also have serious consequences for minors. There is now growing concern around the world about screen dependence, decreasing attention span and digital fatigue. Is artificial intelligence making misinformation and fake news worse?Absolutely. AI is making fake content frighteningly credible. Recently, courts also faced situations where fake AI-generated legal references appeared in filings. Deepfakes can destroy reputations overnight. Fake screenshots, fake newspaper clippings and fake videos spread faster than the truth. The danger is not just political misinformation. It impacts students, women, financial systems and public trust. Our parliamentary committee had also recommended stronger safeguards, AI literacy and structured regulation as India cannot leave these issues wide open. The problem is that technology is advancing much faster than social awareness and legal safeguards. That gap is becoming dangerous. Are you worried that AI tools may undermine students’ learning habits?Yes. Earlier, students and researchers had to spend time reading books, verifying facts and studying subjects in depth. Many people now rely on AI tools for instant answers. The concern is not only about technology. The concern is whether future generations will stop developing critical thinking, research habits and patience. You cannot build a knowledge economy on shortcuts alone. Students still need curiosity, discipline, and the ability to analyze information independently. India’s demographic dividend can become India’s greatest strength, but only if you people remain productive, efficient and mentally focused. Students today are facing immense stress due to fake paper leaks and rumors Telegram And social media. How serious is it?Very serious. Many fake question papers are circulated several weeks before the examinations. Students panic, families owe money, stress levels rise – and often the papers are fake. It has become an organized ecosystem. Social media rumors can make millions of students psychologically destabilized in a matter of hours. We have seen how fake answer keys, manipulated screenshots and fabricated leaked claims spread rapidly during competitive exams. Even when papers are not leaked, rumors still create fear and anxiety among students. Therefore, PM Narendra Modi’s initiative to discuss the exam is important. Students should learn not to fall into the rumor trap or digital panic cycle. The bigger challenge is that fake information spreads much faster than official explanations. This creates emotional pressure on the students. Which class is most vulnerable to the dark side of social media?Women, children and economically vulnerable users are among the biggest victims. Fake videos, morphing, blackmail, pornography and cyber harassment can destroy lives. A fake clip that goes viral for a few hours can permanently damage one’s reputation and mental health. Children are also exposed to disturbing material very quickly. Without safety measures, the psychological impact can be severe. That’s why digital security can no longer be considered just a technical issue – it’s also a social and mental health issue. The most harmful effects of unregulated digital platforms are often seen among those who are least equipped to protect themselves. Your committee also laid emphasis on KYC verification. Is it related to cyber security?Yes. India is witnessing large-scale cyber fraud through mule accounts and fake digital identities. Misappropriation worth thousands of crores is taking place. Technology is advancing rapidly, but security measures are not keeping pace. Previously, opening a bank account involved community verification and accountability. Today, it has become extremely easy to remain anonymous online. We are not against technology. We’re asking: How can we make technology safer for society? If stronger verification systems are not introduced, cyber fraud, financial scams and identity misuse will continue to increase. Do existing laws adequately protect citizens online?There are serious flaws. Social media has evolved much faster than legal systems. Stronger legal accountability may ultimately be necessary in cases involving fake news, cyber fraud, child safety threats and national security concerns. Without prevention and fear of punishment, organized digital abuse will continue to grow. There is also debate on whether some legal provisions that have been weakened by court decisions need to be revisited in the context of new-age digital threats. The challenge is to maintain a balance between freedom of expression and safety of citizens. What should schools do immediately?Digital literacy and AI literacy must start much earlier. The parliamentary committee had recommended AI education from KG to PG. Children must learn:
- How does fake news spread?
- How algorithms gain attention,
- Cyber security,
- Responsible AI use,
- digital discipline, and
- Mental health awareness is linked to screen addiction.
Technology is like nuclear energy. It can cure cancer or destroy cities. Social media and AI are similar – they can empower or harm society. The challenge is of balance. The focus should not just be on restricting technology, but also on teaching children to use it responsibly. Do you expect India to bring in stronger social media rules soon?Continuous discussions are taking place with ministries, states, forums and stakeholders. The government is actively investigating concerns over child safety, AI-induced harm and misinformation. But I don’t believe in mere restrictions or prohibitions. The real goal should be controlled, responsible and safe use of technology. The benefits of AI and social media are immense. But where the negative impact is greatest – on children, students, women and vulnerable groups – societies and governments must step up with safeguards. The objective should be to balance: encouraging innovation and digital growth while protecting society from addiction, manipulation, fraud and psychological harm.
