Government Mulls Imposing Time and Spending Limits on Online Games to Curb Addiction
Are you an avid gamer who loves spending hours playing online games? The government is considering imposing time and spending limits on online games to address gaming addiction among children and young adults. This approach, similar to what China has implemented, was discussed in recent meetings of the ministry of electronics and information technology.
Imposing Time Limits
- Sources suggest that imposing time limits is a more effective strategy than relying on self-regulatory organizations to certify games as permissible or not.
- This method aims to prevent industry influence on policy decisions concerning games, especially since a large number of young players are involved.
Market Insights
- India is the largest gaming market globally, with approximately 570 million active gamers.
- Out of these, around 140 million gamers pay for games or use money in some capacity.
- In 2023, Indian users downloaded over 9.5 billion gaming apps on their mobile devices.
Mechanisms for Compliance
Gaming companies will need to develop mechanisms to ensure players adhere to the limits on time and money spent while gaming. For example, setting daily spending limits based on a player’s history and age could be a strategy to enforce compliance.
Rollout Ease
- Officials emphasize that implementing mechanisms to control time and money spent should be simple and industry collaboration will be key.
- The rules for the gaming industry issued in April 2023 required companies to establish a self-regulatory organization (SRO) within 90 days.
- The government would intervene if the industry failed to create an SRO within the stipulated timeframe, with a clear mandate to avoid industry influence in the regulatory process.
SRO Proposals
- Despite receiving proposals for SRO formation, the IT ministry did not proceed with any submissions due to industry backing.
- Proposals from organizations like the Esports Players Welfare Association, the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports, and the All India Gaming Federation were rejected.
- The government remained cautious about accepting proposals that could potentially be influenced by industry stakeholders.
Hot Take: Striking a Balance Between Regulation and Industry Influence
As a gamer, it’s essential to be aware of regulatory developments that could impact your gaming experience. While the government aims to curb addiction through time and spending limits, finding the right balance between regulation and industry influence remains crucial. Stay informed and prepared for potential changes in the gaming landscape.
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