About AIGF
The All India Gaming Federation (AIGF) regulations on targeting minors for real money games online. AIGF is a prominent organization and the highest authority representing the online skill gaming industry in India. It operates as a not-for-profit entity, working towards creating a regulated and responsible gaming ecosystem in the country. The AIGF plays a crucial role in advocating for the interests of its members, promoting self-regulation, and establishing industry standards for online gaming.
AIGF ensures that the online gaming industry adheres to regulatory guidelines and legal frameworks. It works closely with government authorities, policymakers, and regulatory bodies to provide inputs, insights, and recommendations related to the formulation of gaming laws and regulations. By engaging in constructive dialogue, the AIGF aims to assist in the development of balanced and effective regulatory frameworks that address the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the online gaming sector.
About The Proposed Regulation
The All India Gaming Federation (AIGF) has proposed a draft model charter for the Self-Regulatory Body (SRB) of online gaming intermediaries in India. The charter emphasizes AIGF regulations on targeting minors for real money games online. the protection of minors by putting regulations on advertisements for Real Money Games. The AIGF is currently seeking feedback from stakeholders to finalize the charter.
According to the draft charter, members of the SRB are required to implement measures to safeguard children, including parental controls and age ratings based on the content of online games. The charter also prohibits surrogate advertising or promotion of unauthorized online games.
Members of the SRB are obligated not to offer Real Money Games based on chance, games involving wagering, or any games that are not permissible under the law. They must ensure compliance with applicable laws, conditions, and government regulations, including licensing and approval requirements.
The organization aims to create model documents for SRBs in the online gaming industry. A broad principled document is being developed to gather input from various stakeholders, including civil society, legal experts, mental health professionals, player welfare representatives, and industry stakeholders. The objective is to cover all the obligations in the IT Rules, reflect international best practices, and prioritize user protection.
Regarding verification, the SRB aims to expedite the approval or rejection of applications within three months. It will develop protocols for the verification of online games, incorporating qualitative and quantitative elements. However, SRB is obligated to comply with the directions of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology regarding verification rectification.
Membership to the SRB is granted for one year, subject to payment of the membership fee, with the option to renew. Members are required to promptly notify users and the SRB of any changes to their user policies. The draft charter also emphasizes the preservation of information related to removed content and user registrations for a specified period.
The draft charter states that members should conduct user identity verification in accordance with applicable regulations and follow Know-Your-Customer processes similar to the guidelines of the Reserve Bank of India for relevant prepaid instruments.
The SRB will appoint a Grievance Officer responsible for acknowledging and resolving disputes related to the verification of Real Money Games within statutory timelines. If a grievance is not resolved within the specified timeframe, an aggrieved member may approach the Grievance Appellate Committee.
The SRB and its members are obligated to comply with the orders and recommendations of the Grievance Appellate Committee, and they will provide reports on compliance with such orders and recommendations on their website.
The government has made it clear that it will not allow the industry to have complete control over the proposed self-regulatory body. The Union Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, stated that the government will not allow the industry to takeover the SRB.
Conclusion
AIGF undertakes initiatives to raise awareness about responsible gaming and educate both players and the general public about the potential risks associated with online gaming. And hence, it is important for them to put necessary regulatory measures for a safe and secure gaming environment in the digital world.
Overall, the regulations proposed by the AIGF can help in monetizing their online gaming offerings by fostering a responsible and trusted gaming environment, enhancing user retention and loyalty, improving brand reputation and partnerships, facilitating industry collaboration through the SRB, & providing regulatory clarity and stability.
By embracing these regulations, publishers can position themselves as responsible industry players and capitalize on the growth potential of the online gaming market in India.
