Section 13: Compliance with Central Government Directions

Overview

Section 13 of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, gives the Central Government the power to issue directions to online gaming companies and related service providers. These directions are meant to ensure responsible gaming and protect users. Essentially, if the government believes an online game or service is causing harm or violating the law, they can tell companies to take specific actions.

Key Provisions

• Duty to Comply: Every company offering, organizing, or facilitating online games (including money-gaming) must follow directions issued by the Central Government.
• Scope of Directions: These directions can include things like removing prohibited games, stopping deposits/withdrawals, halting advertising, providing information for investigation, and implementing safety features like age verification.
• Who is Covered: The directions aren’t just for gaming companies themselves. They can also apply to app stores, web hosting providers, advertising networks, payment processors, and internet service providers.
• Consequences of Non-Compliance: Failing to comply can lead to financial penalties, suspension or cancellation of licenses/registrations, and potentially criminal prosecution under other parts of the Act.

Practical Impact

This section significantly impacts online gaming businesses operating in India. They need to be prepared to respond quickly and effectively to government requests. It also affects related businesses like app stores and payment gateways, who may be required to assist in enforcing government directives. For users, this section aims to create a safer online gaming environment through measures like age restrictions and responsible gaming tools.

Examples

• Example 1: Prohibited Game The Central Government identifies a specific online game as harmful and directs all app stores and gaming platforms to remove it from their offerings. Companies must comply immediately.
• Example 2: Advertising Restrictions The government notices aggressive advertising of a particular money-gaming app targeting young adults. It directs the app to cease all advertising and cross-promotion activities. The ad networks used by the app are also directed to stop running those ads.

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