Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting takes charge of online gaming and ads – The Indian government has taken a significant step in the realm of digital regulation, bringing online gaming services and advertisements under the authority of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B). The recent notification issued by President Draupadi Murmu has given the I&B Ministry the power to regulate policies surrounding gaming content platforms and online ads,
This move comes as part of the government’s commitment to better governance and oversight in the ever-evolving digital landscape. Prior to this, online gaming and advertisements were primarily governed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Information Technology Act, of 2000.
Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting takes charge of online gaming and ads
The recent gazette notification enlists “films and Audio-Visual programs/content made available by online content providers/publishers” under the purview of the “Ministry of Information and Broadcasting” in the Second Schedule of the Government of India Rules, 1961. This reassignment of power empowers the I&B Ministry to oversee the dissemination of content in the digital sphere, including online gaming platforms and advertisements.
The journey towards regulating online media began in March 2018, when Smriti Irani, the then Minister for I&B, first proposed measures to oversee digital content providers. The rapid growth of online platforms and the need to safeguard users from harmful or exploitative content motivated this groundbreaking approach.
Simultaneously, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting issued an advisory cautioning media entities, platforms, and online intermediaries against airing advertisements promoting betting and gambling platforms. The ministry expressed strong disapproval of mainstream English and Hindi newspapers carrying such advertisements, emphasizing the need for stricter oversight.
The government has also taken steps to address concerns related to online gaming by releasing an amendment to the IT Rules, 2021, in April. The amendment focuses on regulating “online real money games,” where users risk money to participate. This move aims to combat issues of addiction and fraudulent practices in the online gaming industry, enhancing consumer protection.
The recent move to bring under the purview of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting marks a crucial milestone in the government’s efforts to regulate digital media more effectively. By addressing concerns about online gaming and misleading advertisements, the government aims to create a safer and more transparent digital space for its citizens.
Read More- S8UL gaming festival brings in a whirlwind as 13000+ attendees enjoy the two-day extravaganza
