India is preparing to ban these three types of games

The Indian government plans to ban certain online games to protect users from harm. In an interview with ANI, the Union Minister for Information Technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, said that the country is set to prohibit certain games in the country that poses a threat to the mental health of users.

Chandrasekhar said, "For the first time we have prepared a framework regarding online gaming, in that we will not allow 3 types of games in the country. Games that involve betting or can be harmful to the user and that involve a factor of addiction will be banned in the country."

Three types of games that could be banned in India:

• Games that involve betting 
• Games can be harmful to the user
• Games that involve a factor of addiction

#WATCH | For the first time we have prepared a framework regarding online gaming, in that we will not allow 3 types of games in the country. Games that involve betting or can be harmful to the user and that involves a factor of addiction will be banned in the country: Union… pic.twitter.com/XUdeHQM2ho

— ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2023

The minister added that concerns about religious conversions through gaming platforms were being addressed and emphasised the need for a proactive approach.

He said that it's important to set up self-regulatory organisations within 90 days once the regulations are announced. These organisations will be responsible for approving games that meet the required regulations. In the meantime, the government will take on the responsibility of deciding which games are allowed and which ones are not.

Chandrasekhar also mentioned regulating emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to mitigate potential harm. He assured the public that AI won't threaten jobs shortly, but job market changes may occur in 5-7 years. The government's regulatory philosophy prioritises protecting digital citizens and ensuring user safety on platforms.

The decision to ban specific online games likely stems from an incident involving illegal conversions linked to gaming. The Ghaziabad Police uncovered a scheme in Mumbai where young people were unlawfully converted through the game Fortnite. Investigations revealed that boys who lost games were forced to recite Islamic verses and exposed to controversial preachers like Zakir Naik and Tariq Jamil. The arrest of the cleric and the person behind the conversions followed a complaint by a father whose son converted.