India to Require Registration for Certain Online Games from Specific Countries
Govt may mandate registration for online games from China, Pakistan, Turkey
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
India's government may mandate registration for online social games originating from China, Pakistan, or Turkey under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming (PROG) Act, 2025. The rules, effective from May 1, 2025, aim to align gaming regulations with national interests and prevent access to banned platforms.
- 01Registration may be required for online games from China, Pakistan, and Turkey.
- 02The PROG Act bans all online money games, effective May 1, 2025.
- 03E-sports must register within 90 days under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025.
- 04Financial intermediaries will verify registration before processing payments for online games.
- 05User safety features, including age verification and parental controls, are emphasized in the new rules.
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India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has proposed that certain online social games, particularly those from China, Pakistan, or Turkey, may need to register with the government under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming (PROG) Act, 2025. This Act, which bans all online money games, will take effect on May 1, 2025. While registration is mandatory for e-sports, the government will assess the need for registration of other games based on their country of origin and associated risks. IT Secretary S. Krishnan stated that the government will block access to banned platforms through VPNs and offshore apps. The new rules also establish a framework for determining whether a game is classified as an online money game, focusing on factors such as user expectations and financial transactions. Additionally, the Authority overseeing this sector will have the power to enforce compliance through financial institutions, ensuring that only registered games can process payments. The rules were finalized after consultations with over 2,500 stakeholders, addressing various concerns regarding the broad definition of online social games and the governance structure of the Authority.
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These regulations could significantly affect online gamers and gaming companies in India, particularly those linked to the specified countries. Users may face restrictions on accessing certain games, while companies will need to comply with new registration requirements.
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