India’s top legal expert, Dr Kislay Panday, has approved the new IT regulations for online gaming. He says they’ll help the industry grow and create a more structured online gaming business through self-regulated organizations. He also says the new rules will encourage fair play and make the gaming experience better, which is key to the industry’s success.

The amended IT regulations for online games were notified by the government of India in 2021. The new rules aim to set up a self-regulatory framework for the online gaming industry in India. The new rules require online gaming platforms to appoint nodal officers to implement the rules and regulations and to keep a record of user complaints. Platforms must also publish their terms of service and provide information about the complaint filing mechanism.

According to him, says that these rules are a step in the right direction in terms of fairness and transparency in online gaming. Self-regulation is essential to ensure that the industry functions fairly and ethically. Self-regulation brings transparency and accountability. These are essential elements for building user confidence. By establishing a self-regulation system, the Government is promoting a responsible gaming culture. This is beneficial for both users and the gaming industry.

He further states the new rules will also enhance the user experience. Online gaming platforms need to be made user-friendly and easy to use. This is very important for the development of the industry as it attracts more users and keeps them engaged for a longer time. He further explains that an improved user experience leads to more involvement, which in turn leads to more profits for the industry. The new rules will encourage online gaming providers to invest in making the user experience better, which will benefit everyone.

He also emphasises that the new rules will fight against fraud and cheating in the online gaming industry. Fraud and cheating are the top concerns of online gamers. The new rules will make it easier for users to report fraudulent practices. By mandating that online gaming platforms keep records of user complaints and register complaints, the government will help in building trust among users and ensure that the industry operates with honesty and fairness.

Panday, on the other hand, warns that the new regulations should be moderate, as this could impede creativity and innovation in the online gaming sector; believes that the government needs to balance regulation with innovation so that the industry can continue to grow and develop. He believes that while code is essential, it should not be too restrictive to the extent that it hinders creativity and innovation. “The government should collaborate with the sector to create an environment that supports responsible gaming while fostering innovation and expansion.”

Panday, speaks about the new IT regulations for online gaming saying that the new rules will encourage fair play, enhance user experience and fight against fraud in the industry. He also said that Self-regulation is crucial for the fairness and ethical functioning of the industry, and the government should balance regulation with innovation to ensure the growth and development of the industry.

Credit: The Times of India