Abstract

The rapid digitalisation of India has transformed the nation into one of the world’s largest technology-driven societies where online participation virtual interactions digital transactions and algorithmic decision-making have become deeply embedded in daily life. As millions of citizens—from urban professionals to rural first-generation internet users—navigate digital platforms the need for a robust ethical framework to guide responsible digital citizenship has become more urgent than ever. The digital sphere in India is characterised not only by unprecedented opportunities for education economic inclusion social mobilisation and e-governance but also by serious ethical challenges including misinformation privacy violations cyberbullying online radicalisation digital fraud hate speech algorithmic manipulation and the growing digital divide. This research paper critically examines how an ethical framework can ensure responsible inclusive safe and empowered digital citizenship in India