The policies of Government of India are aimed at ensuring open, safe, trusted and accountable cyberspace for users in the country. The Government is cognizant of the risks and harms arising from the misuse of digital technologies including the offshore digital platforms.
The Information Technology Act, 2000 and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 provide a comprehensive framework for user safety and responsible digital participation.
The Minister of State for Electronics and Information and Technology Jitin Prasada informed in Parliament that Intermediaries, including offshore digital platforms and gaming platforms, are required to exercise due diligence and prevent hosting or dissemination of unlawful or harmful content. Non-compliance attracts liability under applicable laws, including the IT Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
As per him, a total of 8376 website URLs related to online betting/gambling/gaming including offshore gaming platforms had been issued till March 28, 2026 which includes more than 4800 such URLs being blocked after the enactment of Online Gaming Act, 2025.
Further, the Government enacted the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 (“PROG Act”) to promote innovation in e-sports and online social gaming. It ensures a safe, responsible and accountable online gaming ecosystem in the country by prohibiting online money gaming and restricting related financial transactions. advertisements.
Section 111 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (“BNS”), which came into effect on July 1, 2024 punishes unlawful activities, including economic offenses and cybercrimes, while section 112 (1), punishes unauthorised betting and gambling with a minimum of 1 year of imprisonment. imprisonment that may extend to 7 years and a fine under the Integrated Goods and Service Tax Act, 2017 (“IGST Act”).
Additionally, the Government introduced GST at a rate of 28% on online gaming starting 1st October 2023. The supplier of online money gaming must obtain a single registration under the Simplified Registration Scheme referenced in the IGST Act.
The Directorate General of GST Intelligence Headquarters (“DGGI”) is empowered to block unregistered ones,, including offshore online money gaming platforms for violating the relevant provisions of the IGST Act.
Additionally, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued advisory dated December 04, 2020 to all private satellite television channels to comply with the Advertising Standards Council of India (“ASCI”) guidelines regarding advertisements for online gaming and fantasy sports. The ASCI guidelines mandate that every gaming advertisement carry a disclaimer – in print, static, and audiovisual formats noting that the game involves financial risk and may be addictive.
UGC has also issued the “Handbook on Basics of Cyber Hygiene for Higher Educational Institutions (‘HEIs’)” in December 2024. It provides comprehensive guidance on safe digital practices, responsible online behaviour, screen time management, and mitigation of psychological risks associated with excessive digital exposure, including online gaming and addictive digital platforms.
UGC has advised HEIs to designate Nodal Officers and establish Grievance Redressal Cells for cybercrime support, and to publicize the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (https://cybercrime.gov.in) and CyberDost (@CyberDost). MHA has also launched the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (https://cybercrime.gov.in) to enable the public to report all types of cybercrimes, including cyber financial frauds.
