To avoid the misuse of matrimonial sites as dating platforms, the government has made it mandatory for websites to authenticate users with copies of identity proof and address proof and check posting of obscene materials to safeguard the sites from those who don’t intent to get married.

Minister of communications and IT, Ravi Shankar Prasad has approved an advisory on functioning of the matrimonial websites, which will set the rules they need to follow and to check abuse on their platforms to prevent any kind of fraud.

"Matrimonial websites are intermediary under section 2 of Information Technology Act and they are mandated to follow IT Act," a source said to Huffington post. This was also done because several complaints were lodged with the ministry of communications and IT and the ministry of women and child development regarding fraudulent users.
 

The advisory stated that the matrimonial websites should always store IP address of profile creator for one year, even after the account is deleted.

It was also mandatory to confirm users' intent to a matrimonial site.

The user will be advised to submit or upload the copy of supporting documents such as proof of ID, address for the purpose of identification.
Moreover, the service providers of such sites must declare on their home page that the website is for matrimonial purpose only and should not have any obscene material.

Matrimonial websites under new rules will be required to name grievances redressal officer on their portals.