India has opened registration for Consent Managers under the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) framework, a step towards giving people a common way to manage permission for the use of their personal data. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology announced the portal launch on November 14, after the registration framework took effect on November 13, 2026.
The immediate change is for companies seeking registration, not a new consumer app that everyone must download. Eligible Indian companies can apply to the Data Protection Board of India through dpbi.gov.in.
What does a Consent Manager do?
A Consent Manager is an entity registered with the Board that helps individuals give, manage, review and withdraw consent through an accessible, transparent and interoperable platform. The person whose data is involved is called a Data Principal under the Act.
In practical terms, the role is about managing permission to process personal data. The framework makes Consent Managers accountable to the individuals using them. Registration, however, is a separate step from a provider offering a working service to consumers.
Who can register?
Companies incorporated in India need adequate technical, operational and financial capacity, including a net worth of at least Rs 2 crore, to seek registration. The Board will assess applications against the applicable requirements and may register companies that qualify.
According to MeitY’s announcement, the list of registered Consent Managers will be made publicly available on the Board’s website. The application portal should not be read as confirmation that every applicant has been approved.
Does the entire DPDP framework apply now?
No. This is one stage of the phased implementation. MeitY says other key provisions covering individuals’ rights, the obligations of organisations handling personal data, and the Board’s inquiry and penalty processes are scheduled to take effect on May 13, 2027.
That distinction matters: opening Consent Manager registration is preparation for the wider system, rather than a claim that all of its rights, duties and enforcement processes have started together. The DPDP Rules and implementation documents are available on MeitY’s website.
Featured image: AI-generated conceptual illustration, not an actual Consent Manager interface.
