The Government of India, through the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has taken significant steps to address the growing concern of online gaming addiction among children. Recognizing the potential harms, including addiction, the government has implemented various policies and advisories to ensure a safe and accountable internet environment.
Key Measures and Policies
- IT Rules, 2021:
- The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, were notified to enforce due diligence obligations on intermediaries, including social media platforms.
- Intermediaries are required to remove unlawful information, especially content harmful to children or related to gambling and money laundering.
- Advisories by the Ministry of Education:
- On 27 September 2021, an advisory was issued to parents and teachers highlighting the risks of online gaming addiction.
- A subsequent advisory on 10 December 2021 emphasized the serious nature of gaming addiction, classified as a gaming disorder, and recommended measures for parents and teachers to mitigate these risks.
- Guidelines for Advertisements:
- The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) issued guidelines on 4 December 2020 for private satellite television channels to comply with the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) code.
- Key points include prohibiting the depiction of minors in gaming ads, mandatory disclaimers about financial risks, and avoiding presenting gaming as an employment alternative.
- Cyber Crime Reporting and Coordination:
- The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) established the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and launched the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal to facilitate the reporting and handling of cyber crimes.
- A toll-free helpline (1930) is available for assistance in lodging cyber complaints.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What are the IT Rules, 2021? A1: The IT Rules, 2021, are regulations that impose due diligence obligations on intermediaries to ensure they do not host or share unlawful content. These rules aim to create a safer online environment by holding intermediaries accountable for the content on their platforms.
Q2: What steps has the Ministry of Education taken to address online gaming addiction? A2: The Ministry of Education has issued advisories to parents and teachers, warning about the risks of online gaming addiction and recommending measures to mitigate these risks. These advisories highlight the importance of monitoring and regulating children’s gaming activities.
Q3: What are the guidelines for gaming advertisements? A3: The guidelines prohibit the depiction of minors in gaming ads, require disclaimers about financial risks, and prevent ads from presenting gaming as an employment alternative. These measures aim to reduce the appeal of online gaming to vulnerable groups, especially children.
Q4: How can cyber crimes be reported in India? A4: Cyber crimes can be reported through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (https://cybercrime.gov.in) or by calling the toll-free helpline number 1930. The portal routes complaints to the respective state or union territory law enforcement agencies for further action.
Q5: What is the role of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)? A5: The I4C provides a framework for law enforcement agencies to deal with cyber crimes in a coordinated manner. It aims to enhance the capabilities of these agencies to address the growing threat of cyber crimes effectively.
These measures reflect the government’s commitment to protecting children from the potential harms of online gaming and ensuring a safer digital environment for all users.
