In a move aimed at strengthening digital security measures and protecting citizens’ personal information, the Government of India has announced that starting June 16, 2025, an email verification system using a one-time password (OTP) will be mandatory for all applications filed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act through the central RTI portal.
The announcement was made in an official communication released on Monday, highlighting the Centre’s continued efforts to fortify the cybersecurity framework of its public-facing digital platforms and to ensure that citizens’ data remains protected from misuse or unauthorized access.
The RTI online portal — accessible at www.rtionline.gov.in — serves as a centralized digital interface where Indian citizens can file RTI requests, lodge first and second appeals, and track the status of their applications.
The platform, which falls under the administrative control of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), has seen growing usage as citizens increasingly turn to digital methods to seek transparency and accountability from various public authorities.
A notification posted on the RTI portal reads:
“To enhance citizen privacy and data security, and to strengthen the portal’s cybersecurity framework, email verification via OTP will be implemented for all RTI requests starting Monday, June 16, 2025.”
According to officials familiar with the matter, the OTP-based email verification mechanism will act as an additional security layer to confirm the authenticity of the applicant and the correctness of the email ID provided.
This step is particularly important given the sensitive nature of the information often requested through RTI queries, which can include government decisions, internal communications, and personal data held by public authorities.
The move also reflects a broader governmental push toward reinforcing digital trust and reducing the chances of fraudulent or impersonated applications.
By ensuring that each application is tied to a verified email address, authorities hope to streamline communication with applicants, minimize misuse of the system, and safeguard sensitive interactions.
Furthermore, implementing OTP verification aligns with best practices in digital governance, where multi-factor authentication is widely regarded as a standard defense against cyber threats and unauthorized data access.
It is expected that the new system will not only offer better protection for users but also make the portal more robust and resilient to cyberattacks.
Officials have assured that the new process will be user-friendly and designed to cause minimal inconvenience. Applicants filing an RTI will now be prompted to enter their email address, upon which a one-time password will be sent.
Only after entering the correct OTP will they be allowed to proceed with submitting their application or appeal.
The Department of Personnel and Training is also working on updating its help sections and FAQs on the RTI portal to assist users in understanding and navigating the new verification requirement.
This initiative comes at a time when digital platforms operated by government departments are increasingly being targeted for cyberattacks, phishing attempts, and data breaches.
By proactively tightening security protocols on the RTI portal, the government is signaling its commitment to digital integrity, user privacy, and administrative transparency.
Citizens and civil society groups who actively use the RTI mechanism have welcomed the idea of better data protection, although some have expressed concerns about potential accessibility issues for those not familiar with email-based processes or who have limited digital literacy.
In response, DoPT officials have hinted that awareness campaigns and user support initiatives may be launched closer to the rollout date.
As the June 16 deadline approaches, users are advised to ensure their email accounts are active and accessible and to be prepared for the new verification process when submitting RTI requests on or after that date.
