India Levels Up: Protecting Kids in the Digital Playground

India is hitting the pause button on harmful online gaming for children. Taking a cue from Australia's social media restrictions, the government is launching a series of initiatives to protect young minds in the digital world.

Imagine a virtual playground where kids can explore freely, but without the dangers of addiction or inappropriate content. That's the vision behind India's new approach. The government is introducing a set of protective measures to make the internet a safer and more accountable space for its youngest users.

Curbing Harmful Content:

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has taken the lead with the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 (IT Rules, 2021). These rules target social media platforms and online intermediaries, making them responsible for the content they host. Platforms will have to ensure the content complies with existing laws and doesn't promote harmful activities like gambling or money laundering. Additionally, they'll be held accountable for removing any unlawful content and addressing user grievances promptly.

Educating Parents and Teachers:

The Ministry of Education is focusing on raising awareness. In 2021, they issued advisories specifically for parents and teachers. These advisories highlight the risks of unrestricted online gaming, including addiction (classified as a gaming disorder) and potential mental and physical stress. By encouraging the widespread circulation of these resources, the government aims to empower parents and educators to take effective action at home and in schools.

Regulating Gaming Ads:

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) is taking aim at gaming advertisements. Through advisories to private television channels, they've imposed stricter guidelines. These guidelines prohibit using children under 18 in gaming ads and mandate disclaimers that warn about financial risks and the potential for addiction. Additionally, ads can't portray gaming as a replacement for a real job or a measure of success. Further tightening the regulations, the MIB issued an advisory in 2024 urging media and social media platforms to avoid broadcasting ads for online betting platforms in India.

Law Enforcement and Reporting:

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is playing a crucial role in law enforcement. They've established the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) to improve coordination among agencies tackling cybercrimes. The MHA has also launched a National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (https://cybercrime.gov.in) for the public to report cybercrimes, including those targeting children. Additionally, a toll-free helpline (1930) has been set up to assist citizens in reporting cybercrime concerns efficiently.

By implementing these multifaceted initiatives, the Indian government is taking a comprehensive approach to safeguarding children from the potential harms of online gaming. This move aims to create a secure and accountable digital environment where young people can explore and learn responsibly.