NHRC seeks report from MeitY on Gleeden app, flags user safety concerns

Bengaluru: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), seeking an action taken report over a complaint related to extramarital dating platform Gleeden, citing concerns around user safety, exploitation and access by minors.

The notice, dated April 9, follows a complaint filed by Seva Nyaya Utthan Foundation, which alleged that the app facilitates extramarital relationships and has millions of users in India. The complaint raised concerns over misuse through fake identities, potential exploitation of women, and risks posed to minors accessing the platform.

“The complaint highlights concerns about misuse through false identities, exploitation of women, and access by minors, raising serious issues of user safety and regulatory oversight,” said Priyank Kanoongo, member, National Human Rights Commission, in a post on X.

The commission noted that the allegations, on a prima facie basis, “seem to be violations of the human rights of the victims,” and directed MeitY to examine the matter and submit a report within two weeks.

The NHRC has also asked the ministry to review safeguards in place for women and children, and to assess whether existing regulatory frameworks adequately cover such platforms.

The development comes amid increasing scrutiny of digital platforms offering adult-oriented services, particularly around verification, user safety and regulatory oversight in India’s internet ecosystem.