Tricky consent forms can get your business in trouble. Here's what to do.
Many small businesses collect phone numbers, Aadhaar copies, and resumes every day. But did you ask people clearly before taking their information? Most forms use confusing words that nobody reads. The new law says that is not allowed. If your customer or worker cannot understand what they are agreeing to, their consent does not count. This applies to your shop, your school, your factory — everyone.
Say you run a coaching class. You collect a student's phone number. You must tell them clearly — 'We will use this number to send class updates only.' You cannot then use it to send ads. Same for a factory taking workers' Aadhaar copies. Tell them why. Write it simply. If your WhatsApp message or form sounds like a legal notice, rewrite it. A normal person must understand it in one reading. No tricks. No small print.
Read your consent form out loud. Can a Class 8 student understand it?
List every place you collect information — forms, WhatsApp, counter register.
Check if your business is ready. Takes 3 minutes. Visit saralprivacy.com/assessment
“If a normal person cannot understand it it is not good communication.”
Free — takes 3 minutes
Answer a few simple questions. Get your free Readiness Score — sent to your email or WhatsApp.
Check My Readiness →Take our free 3–5 minute industry assessment to find out your compliance risk level.
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The Complete DPDPA Compliance Guide
Plain English. Everything your business needs to understand the DPDP Rules 2025 — written for founders, not lawyers. Now in 7 Indian languages.
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