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The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has sought details from home services platforms about the collection of video recordings and sensor data from gig workers, raising concerns over household privacy, worker consent and the possible transfer of Indian data to overseas artificial intelligence developers.
The scrutiny follows an initiative by Bengaluru-based home services startup Pronto to record activities inside customers’ homes through its Verified service. Competing platforms Snabbit and Urban Company have decided against introducing similar recording practices.
Senior ministry officials met representatives of the three platforms, along with technology and robotics companies, on November 12 to examine how such information is collected, processed, stored and potentially used to train physical AI systems.
The meeting, chaired by MeitY Secretary S Krishnan, also examined whether existing safeguards adequately protect workers and household members whose activities may be captured during service visits.
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MeitY Seeks Details on Consent, Storage and Overseas Data Sharing
During the consultation, officials sought information about the standard operating procedures followed by companies collecting first-person video recordings and sensor data.
The ministry questioned how platforms obtain consent from gig workers and what measures are in place to protect the privacy of customers, family members and other individuals appearing in the recordings.
Officials also sought details about the nature and volume of information collected, how long it is retained and which organisations can access it.
A significant concern involved the possibility of data collected inside Indian homes being sold, shared or transferred to AI developers operating outside the country.
Companies were asked to provide information about data-sharing agreements, vendor contracts and arrangements governing the use of recorded material.
The consultation also examined whether existing practices adequately address workers’ rights and India’s interests in controlling data generated within the country.
Some industry representatives questioned whether collecting Indian household data for overseas robotics companies would benefit the domestic technology ecosystem.
Robotics startups also argued that India should prioritise developing its own physical AI capabilities rather than primarily supplying training data to foreign developers.
Pronto Asked to Explain Recording Practices as Rivals Opt Out
Among the three home services platforms involved in the discussions, Pronto has introduced an in-home recording initiative through its Verified service.
The company has reportedly been asked to submit a detailed representation explaining its data collection methods, operating procedures and privacy safeguards.
Pronto said it participated in the ministry’s consultation as part of an industry discussion on responsible data practices.
The company maintained that data generated through its customer booking process involves customer consent and could support downstream AI applications.
It also said its existing practices were designed to comply with applicable regulations and that it would continue engaging with the ministry as the policy framework develops.
Snabbit and Urban Company, meanwhile, have ruled out adopting similar in-home recording practices.
The differences between the platforms have brought attention to the responsibilities of companies seeking to collect real-world information for AI development.
The ministry’s consultation is an examination of data practices and does not establish that any participating company has violated the law.
Physical AI Training Raises Questions About Household Privacy
Physical AI systems require information about human movements, objects, surroundings and everyday interactions to help machines perform tasks in real-world environments.
Unlike conventional AI models trained largely on existing digital information, robotics systems often require specially collected video and sensor data showing how people interact with physical spaces.
This demand has encouraged companies to develop datasets that capture human actions and working environments.
However, recording workers inside private homes raises questions about the collection of personal information belonging to both employees and customers.
Legal experts have pointed out that video recordings, facial images, location information and sensor data may constitute personal data when individuals can be identified directly or indirectly.
Under India’s Digital Personal Data Protection framework, companies processing personal data are required to address obligations relating to notice, consent, processing purposes and grievance mechanisms, as applicable.
The discussions also follow efforts among physical AI startups to establish common standards covering worker compensation, wellbeing, working hours, safety and legal compliance.
For MeitY, the immediate focus remains on understanding how companies obtain and use recorded information, particularly where data collected from Indian workers and households may become part of AI training systems operated by third parties.
The consultation highlights the growing regulatory questions surrounding the development of physical AI and the protection of personal information collected during ordinary household services.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
