“NHRC issues notice over children’s data protection in Anthropic-NGO Pratham collaboration”, My Ind Maker, February 27, 2026

“The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to several central ministries as well as to all states and union territories after serious concerns were raised about the protection of children’s personal data in an Artificial Intelligence-based education programme. The Commission has asked the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the Department of School Education and Literacy, and the Department of Higher Education to respond to the allegations. It has also directed all Chief Secretaries and Union Territory Administrators to look into the matter and submit reports.

The action was taken by a Bench headed by NHRC Member Priyank Kanoongo. The Commission took cognisance of a complaint submitted by NAMO Foundation, which is a Section 8 non-profit company. The complaint expressed concern over possible risks to children’s privacy arising from a collaboration between a United States-based Artificial Intelligence company, Anthropic, and the NGO Pratham. According to the complaint, this partnership involves the use of an AI-driven system called the “Anytime Testing Machine (ATM).” The system is designed to scan and process children’s handwritten answers and academic records.

The complainant alleged that the use of this AI-based system could expose minors to serious risks related to the collection, processing, storage, and even cross-border transfer of their personal data. It was further claimed that such activities may raise concerns under the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023. The complaint suggested that without strong safeguards, children’s sensitive data could be mishandled or transferred outside India without adequate legal protection……”

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