Indian Online Gaming Industry Supports Draft Amendments to IT Rules 2021

The Indian online gaming industry welcomes draft amendments proposed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) to the IT Rules 2021. The amendments are expected to boost the industry and promote responsible gaming.

The gaming industry has applauded the amendments, providing a level playing field for all players. It will ensure that all gaming platforms adhere to the same regulatory standards. The new rules also reinforce the need for responsible gaming practices like in skill-based games like rummy. The industry has seen tremendous growth in recent years, and the government's support for responsible gaming practices will help to maintain the industry's credibility.

The government has suggested a self-regulatory framework, age verification, and a “Know-Your-Customer" (KYC) procedure for online gaming businesses in the draught amendments. The proposed changes have received praise from the online gaming community.

"The proposed changes to the IT (Intermediary Rules and Digital Media Ethics Code) Regulations, 2021, with reference to the online gaming business, are a very positive and hopeful step, and we welcome them", according to Sameer Barde, CEO of the E-Gaming Federation. With a focus on light-touch regulation, the revisions emphasize creating a self-regulatory body (SRO) registered with the Ministry of Electronics & IT. The SRO will guarantee a robust and time-bound grievance redressal procedure, register online gaming intermediaries, promote responsible gaming through age verification and a strict KYC process, and take precautions against addiction, financial hardship, etc.

MEITY stated that the draft was created to guarantee that online games are provided following Indian regulations and that players of such games are protected from any damage. MEITY was named the government's focal ministry for issues relating to online gaming in a gazette notification on December 26, 2022.

"The rules are straightforward: by 2025–2026, we want India to have a digital economy worth $1 trillion. To that end, we want the online gaming industry to develop and prosper. We also see entrepreneurs playing a more significant part in the online gaming sector, "Rajeev Chandrasekhar, minister of state for electronics and information technology.

He said that the draft had a self-regulatory system that, in the future, may also be used to control the content of online games and ensure they don't include any violent, addictive, or sexually explicit material.

He said, "As of now, the age gating is 18. We want to maintain it that way to see if the current framework works to extend the innovative ecosystem around online gaming while keeping it secure & trustworthy for players.