Government Intensifies Efforts to Combat Children's Online Gaming Addiction
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New Delhi, Nov 30 (NationPress) Social media intermediaries are mandated to take swift actions in removing content linked to online gaming and the associated risks such as addiction among children, as reported to the Rajya Sabha.
To tackle various socio-economic issues stemming from online games, including addiction, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has enacted the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 following thorough consultations with pertinent stakeholders, utilizing the authority granted under the IT Act.
The IT Rules, 2021 impose specific due diligence responsibilities on intermediaries, including social media platforms, regarding the information that must not be hosted, displayed, uploaded, published, transmitted, stored, or shared on their networks. Intermediaries are prohibited from hosting, storing, or publishing any information that contravenes existing laws, as stated by Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, Jitin Prasada, in a written response in Rajya Sabha.
“Intermediaries must ensure their accountability, which includes prompt actions to remove unlawful content categorized under the IT Rules, 2021 or based on complaints regarding any content that is harmful to children or related to money laundering or gambling,” the government explained.
Additionally, the Ministry of Education has released guidelines aimed at parents and educators for addressing the negative aspects of online gaming.
Following this, the ministry provided recommendations for parents and teachers on maintaining children's safe online gaming.
The guidelines highlight that excessive online gaming can lead to significant gaming addiction, recognized as a gaming disorder.
It further cautions that engaging in unrestricted online gaming without self-imposed limits often results in addiction, with many players eventually diagnosed with gaming disorders.
Moreover, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued a directive to all private satellite television channels concerning Advertisements on Online Games, Fantasy Sports, etc., urging all broadcasters to comply with the guidelines set forth by the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) and ensure that all advertisements aired on television adhere to these standards.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has also established the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) to create a framework and ecosystem for law enforcement agencies to effectively tackle cybercrimes in a coordinated manner.
