NHRC Raises Alarm on Children's Data Privacy Amid AI Collaboration Between US Firm and NGO
Synopsis
The NHRC has issued critical notices regarding the safeguarding of children's personal data within an AI educational initiative involving a US company and NGO Pratham. This move underscores the rising concerns about children's privacy in the digital age.
Key Takeaways
NHRC has raised concerns about children's data privacy in AI education.
Collaboration involves a US AI firm and NGO Pratham.
Potential risks include data collection and storage issues.
NHRC has instructed investigations and compliance checks .
Action Taken Reports are required within two weeks .
New Delhi, Feb 27 (NationPress) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken action by sending notices to the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the Department of School Education and Literacy, the Department of Higher Education, and all states and union territories regarding serious concerns about the safeguarding of children’s personal data in a new Artificial Intelligence educational program.
A Bench led by NHRC Member Priyank Kanoongo acknowledged a complaint from the NAMO Foundation, a Section 8 non-profit organization, which raised alarms about the potential privacy risks to children stemming from a partnership between a US-based AI firm, Anthropic, and the NGO Pratham.
The complaint highlights that this collaboration utilizes an AI-driven system called the “Anytime Testing Machine (ATM)” to analyze children’s handwritten answers and academic information.
The complainants expressed concerns that this initiative might subject minors to risks related to the collection, processing, storage, and possible international transfer of their personal data, potentially violating the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023.
Furthermore, the complaint referenced a report titled “Children’s Privacy at Stake? Assessing Data Breach Risks in the Pratham-Anthropic AI Collaboration under India’s DPDP Act”, which claims that insufficient security measures might endanger children’s safety and data integrity.
Requesting intervention, the complainants urged for a thorough investigation into the data protection risks and the establishment of necessary safeguards to protect children.
Based on the allegations, if substantiated, the NHRC indicated that there could be violations of human rights related to the privacy and protection of minors. Consequently, it issued a notice under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
The apex human rights authority instructed all Chief Secretaries and Union Territory Administrators to investigate the claims and ensure that data gathered by Pratham, Central Square Foundation, or any NGO collaborating with government entities is not misused and complies with the DPDP Act, 2023 or any other applicable Indian legislation.
Additionally, state governments have been directed to reassess any Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) or partnerships formed with such organizations.
Separate notices have been sent to the Secretaries of the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the Department of Higher Education, and the Department of School Education and Literacy, requesting reports on the safeguards surrounding the application of AI systems in education.
The Commission has requested Action Taken Reports (ATRs) from all relevant authorities within a two-week timeframe for review.
Point of View
I find the NHRC's actions to be a significant step towards addressing children's privacy concerns in the digital landscape. The collaboration between a US AI firm and NGO Pratham raises important questions about data protection and the safety of minors. It is vital to ensure that robust safeguards are in place to protect vulnerable populations in educational settings.
NationPress
5 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the NHRC to issue notices?
The NHRC issued notices due to concerns about the protection of children's personal data in an AI-based educational initiative involving a collaboration between a US AI company and NGO Pratham.
What is the Anytime Testing Machine?
The Anytime Testing Machine (ATM) is an AI-based system designed to process children's handwritten responses and academic data.
What are the potential risks identified?
The potential risks include the collection, processing, storage, and possible international transfer of minors' personal data, which may violate the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
What actions has the NHRC taken?
The NHRC has directed various government departments and state officials to investigate the allegations and ensure compliance with data protection laws.
How long do the authorities have to respond?
The NHRC has requested Action Taken Reports from all concerned authorities within two weeks.
