The Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has announced an e-gaming policy, proposing self-regulation, mandatory player verification, and additional due diligence. The user base of online gaming is expanding, and the users need assurance against potential harm, the ministry said.

MeitY has been made the nodal agency for online gaming. Online gaming firms would be covered under the new IT rules issued in 2021 for social media platforms.

The following draught amendments to the IT Act are being made available to the public for comments and feedback until January 17:

Due diligence: Online gaming intermediaries shall exercise due diligence to ensure that online games with pay-to-win elements are not permitted.

Withdrawals or refunds: Online gaming intermediaries shall inform users of the policy for withdrawal or refund of deposits, distribution of winnings, and applicable fees.

Registration: Self-regulatory bodies will be registered with the MEITY.

Online games: Self-regulatory bodies may register online games of intermediaries that are members and meet prescribed criteria.

Complaints’ redressal: Self-regulatory bodies will resolve complaints through a grievance redressal mechanism.

Union Minister of State Rajeev Chandrashekhar said the government is aiming to guarantee that entrepreneurship in the profound tech space develops. “The rules are simple: online gaming and online pay-to-earn have been brought under the 31B provision,” he said, adding that the consultation is supposed to begin right on time one week from now.

Rajeev Chandrashekhar said he would meet gamers, gaming startups, organizations, and investors. He likewise talked about how around 40 to 45% of the gamers in India are women, and a lot of them have given feedback to keep the gaming ecosystem safe.

He said by early February, the rules ought to be set up. He also stated that online gaming would be permitted other than those that depend on the basis of outcomes (game of chance). “Online games that offer pay-to-earn are a no-go area…” It’s illegal under 31B to bet on the outcome of a game,” he explained.

Credit: CNBC TV18