PUBG Mobile India Big Update: For the first time ever, India Government makes it official announcement
PUBG Mobile and PUBG Mobile Lite were blocked/banned in India in September for allegedly engaging in activities prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order.
The main concern with these Chinese-origin mobile apps/games seemed to be the collection of user data and the unauthorized sending of this data to locations outside of India.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology may have decided to block PUBG Mobile over privacy concerns, but it seems reversing that decision, allowing the game to re-launch either as is or in the form of PUBG Mobile India would be easier said than done.
In response to an RTI query, the IT Ministry said, “MeitY does not grant permission for starting of any websites/mobile Apps/service,” and “accordingly, “MeitY has not granted permission to PUBG/PUBG Mobile India.”
The ministry did not respond to additional queries in the RTI application–via MediaNama–including whether Krafton Inc. or PUBG Corporation had sought permission for a re-launch of PUBG Mobile or PUBG Mobile India and the list of conditions before either company to in order to approve the application(s).]
A well know e-sport entity GEM Esports has shared the ministry reply on their Instagram handle in which Central Public Information Officer has responded to the query filed through a RTI –
MEITY was asked – The query filed stated:
” Dear Sir/ Mam
In the month of September, 2020, Government of India with the consultation of your Department (MEITY) banned various Chinese apps. One of which was Pubg Mobile Game. Now, there are many news which says that the game is being relaunched and the same is made specifically for the Indian Public and will not be harmful to the nation and its citizens.
I would like to know if your department has given any such permission to the game so that it can be re-launched. “
– RTI filed on: 30/11/20
MEITY has responded stating:
“MEITY has not given any permission for launch of PUBG”
– Respond on: 11/12/20
Since then, PUBG Corporation has ended all publishing ties with Shenzhen-based Tencent Games in India, announced a new version of the game-PUBG Mobile India-created specifically for the Indian market with a virtual simulation training ground, clothed characters, and green hit effects to reflect its virtual nature.
while also trying to address concerns around user data by inking a global partnership with Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform.
All that in addition to investments worth $100 million to “cultivate the local video game, esports, entertainment, and IT industries” by parent firm Krafton and setting up an India subsidiary to “enhance communications and services with players.”
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