In an unprecedented move to curb online gaming risks and addiction, the Indian government has stepped up its efforts to protect citizens by issuing 1,298 blocking directions against online betting and gambling platforms. This move is a significant part of the nation’s broader initiative to ensure an open, safe, and trusted internet for all users.
New Policies and Amendments
Minister of Railways and Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, outlined the government’s strategic policies aimed at safeguarding internet users by reinforcing the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. These amendments were crafted after engaging various stakeholders to address socio-economic concerns linked with online gaming.
As stated in LatestLY, the revised IT Rules impose specific obligations on online gaming intermediaries. These include restrictions on hosting or publishing information that violates existing laws, thus reinforcing the accountability of these platforms.
Online Safety: A Growing Concern
India’s burgeoning gaming sector has highlighted the pressing need for stringent online safety measures. The IT Rules obligate intermediaries to swiftly act against unlawful content, especially that harmful to children, or promoting gambling and money laundering.
The government, leveraging its legislative powers, can issue orders to block access to content that poses threats to the country’s sovereignty, security, or public order, following the procedure detailed in the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking for Access of Information for Public) Rules, 2009.
The Dark Side of Gaming Addiction
In a tragic incident reported from Odisha’s Rayagada, a Class 10 girl succumbed to the darker inclinations of online gaming. Her fatal step of suicide after a gaming platform defaulted on a promised INR 4 lakh windfall echoes the latent dangers associated with unsupervised online gaming activities.
Crime Data and Government Initiatives
Emphasizing governmental transparency, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) under the Ministry of Home Affairs routinely compiles and publishes crime statistics in “Crime in India,” providing deeper insights into criminal activities, including those stemming from online interactions.
The Indian government is taking a proactive approach to safeguard its citizens from potential threats posed by unsupervised internet usage, ensuring a safer environment for all. The blocking of 1,298 gambling sites is just the beginning of a more extensive strategy to create a digitally secure India.