In an effort to tackle gaming addiction among children and young adults, the Indian government is considering implementing stringent regulations on online gaming. Inspired by China’s approach, these proposed measures would impose time and spending limits on gaming activities.
India’s Gaming Market
India is one of the world’s largest gaming markets, with approximately 570 million active gamers. About 25% of these gamers participate in real-money gaming activities, raising concerns about potential addiction and financial harm.
Proposed Regulations
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology is leading the charge, with sources indicating strong support for time and spending restrictions. Unlike relying on self-regulatory organizations (SROs), the government prefers direct intervention to avoid industry influence and protect young gamers.
Implementation Strategies
If the regulations are approved, gaming companies will need to implement mechanisms to ensure compliance. This could include setting daily spending limits based on players’ historical expenditure patterns and age demographics. The government is optimistic about working with the gaming industry to develop effective solutions.
Current Regulatory Landscape
In April 2023, the IT ministry introduced rules for the gaming industry and provided a 90-day window for stakeholders to form an SRO. However, none of the proposals received government approval due to perceived industry biases.
Looking Ahead
While the regulations are still in the discussion stage, there is a consensus within the ministry on the need for robust measures to address gaming addiction among the youth. The proposed regulations aim to create a safer gaming environment by limiting time and financial expenditure, ensuring the well-being of young gamers.
Summary
The Indian government plans to curb online gaming addiction among children and young adults by imposing time and spending limits. Inspired by China’s approach, these regulations aim to protect India’s 570 million gamers, especially those involved in real-money gaming. The proposed measures seek to create a safer gaming environment and mitigate the risk of addiction.
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