Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Empowered to Regulate Online Gaming and Ads

Government Brings Online Gaming and Ads Under I&B Ministry

In a significant development, the Indian government has taken a decisive step to bring online gaming services and advertisements within the regulatory ambit of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B). The move aims to ensure better governance and oversight of content dissemination in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Gazette Notification Enlists Online Content Providers

President Draupadi Murmu issued a gazette notification that includes "films and Audio-Visual programmes/content made available by online content providers/publishers" in the Second Schedule of Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961. This move empowers the Ministry of I&B to exercise its authority over digital content platforms.

I&B Ministry's New Regulatory Powers

With the inclusion of online gaming and ads within its purview, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting will now hold the power to regulate policies governing gaming content platforms and online advertisements. Previously, these aspects were overseen by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Information Technology Act, 2000.

Minister for I&B Proposes Measures for Digital Content Oversight

The process of regulating online media commenced in March 2018, initiated by the then Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Smriti Irani, who put forth proposals to supervise digital content providers.This proactive approach aimed to address the growing influence of online platforms and safeguard users from harmful or exploitative content.

Amendment to IT Rules 2021 and Advisory on Online Gaming

In April, the Indian government released an amendment to the IT Rules 2021, focusing on regulating "online real money games" involving monetary risks. This step aimed to tackle concerns related to addiction and fraudulent practices in the online gaming industry.

At the same time, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting released a new advisory, warning media entities, platforms, and online intermediaries against broadcasting advertisements that promote betting and gambling platforms. The ministry strongly disapproved of mainstream English and Hindi newspapers carrying such ads, stressing the importance of implementing stricter oversight.

H3: Impact on the Digital Media Industry

The inclusion of online gaming and ads under the Ministry of I&B's purview signifies a significant shift in regulatory authority within the digital media landscape. This move is expected to enhance consumer protection, address industry concerns, and pave the way for a more structured and accountable online content ecosystem.

some relevant and latest facts for the above news:

• The government's move to bring online content providers under the purview of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) is a significant step in the regulation of the online gaming and advertising industry.

• The move is expected to help safeguard users from harmful or exploitative content, and to ensure that online gaming platforms are fair and transparent.

• The I&B Ministry has already taken some steps to regulate online gaming, such as the amendment to the IT Rules, 2021.

• The latest advisory from the ministry against airing advertisements promoting betting and gambling platforms is a further step in this direction.

• The move is likely to be welcomed by those who have been concerned about the growth of unregulated online gaming and advertising.

Here are some additional details that may be relevant to the news article:

• The gazette notification that was issued by President Draupadi Murmu on July 31, 2023, amends the Second Schedule of Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961.

• The amendment adds "films and Audio-Visual programmes/content made available by online content providers/publishers" to the list of subjects that fall under the purview of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

• This means that the I&B Ministry will now have the power to regulate policies governing gaming content platforms and online advertisements.

• The move is likely to have a significant impact on the online gaming and advertising industry in India.