Online gaming has become increasingly popular among people of all ages, but it comes with a range of risks that can negatively impact different areas of life if left unchecked. As technology has advanced and people spend more time engaging with strangers online, concerns like cyberbullying, privacy issues, and even online religious conversion have become more prevalent. Recently, a man in Uttar Pradesh was arrested for convincing several boys to convert to Islam through a popular online game called Fortnite. He targeted boys whom he deemed more susceptible due to their interest in gaming.
Additionally, online gaming can lead to addiction, and gamers can become victims of various scams or suffer from anxiety surrounding webcams and online predators. While physical world games carry a risk of physical injuries, online games can be more hazardous as individuals can intentionally harm themselves.
The Indian government introduced new regulations for operators of online games in 2021 via amendments to the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules. The regulations aim to protect online gamers from harmful content and addiction through a self-regulation model where three self-regulatory organizations (SROs) will approve the games that can operate in the country.
However, despite these regulations, some experts argue that there needs to be more regulation and monitoring of online gaming platforms in terms of user identification and Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements. Bal, a professional poker player, suggested that online poker websites have a mandatory KYC policy and a prevention measure for any player-based fraud. Vineet Jindal, a Supreme Court advocate, added that involuntary religious conversion is not acceptable, even though religious conversion is legal in India.
To address these emerging challenges, it is essential to educate users, especially children, about potential risks associated with online gaming, and promote digital literacy and responsible gaming practices. Furthermore, a comprehensive and well-enforced regulatory framework is necessary to ensure the safety and wellbeing of users in the virtual gaming space.
