New rules soon for matrimonial sites

By the advisory, the websites will need to confirm the “user’s intent to enter into a matrimonial alliance” and “confirm that the user information is correct to the best of his or her knowledge”

The ministry of telecom and information technology is planning checks to prevent misuse of matrimonial sites to dupe people, become dating site and other such activities.

According to sources, minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Thursday approved an advisory on the functioning of these websites. This states that matrimonial sites should always store the IP address of a profile creator for one year after the account is deleted.
 

“The ministry had received a number of complaints on matrimonial sites being used to dupe prospective brides and grooms, used for illegal activities related to certain rackets being run, as well as other problems," explained a senior ministry official. “Matrimonial websites are an intermediary under Section 2 of the IT Act and (have) to follow the Act.” By the advisory, the websites will need to confirm the “user’s intent to enter into a matrimonial alliance” and “confirm that the user information is correct to the best of his or her knowledge” when they register to join.

“Though we are still in the process of setting all the guidelines, we might ask sites to make use of government identification papers such as Aadhaar, passport details or driving licence details mandatory,” added the official.

With this coming in place, users will be required to upload true copies of supporting documents such as proof of identity and address. “It is advisable that matrimonial websites should provide a list of legally verifiable documents (on) proof of identity,” the advisory says.

Users will also be required to confirm their intent. "We want to ensure that there are no websites, portals or apps which are operating as dating sites in the garb of matrimonial websites,” added the official. Service providers need to make a declaration that their website is strictly for matrimony. Also after receiving complaints of obscene photos on these portals, the ministry said a vetting process would ne needed to prevent this. Under the new rules, websites will be required to name a grievances redressal officer on their portals.