Indian YouTubers, Streamers Playing PUBG Mobile Korean Version Could Be Penalized
December 29, 2020
In September this year, the Indian Government had banned the hugely popular game, PUBG Mobile and other 117 Chinese apps under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 for engaging in activities prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity, defence and security of the country.
Despite the government’s ban on PUBG Mobile, people have been violating the law by downloading and playing PUBG Mobile’s Korea (KR) version using the VPN (Virtual Private Network) Service. This also includes Indian YouTubers who are playing PUBG Mobile KR games using VPN service and uploading videos to their channels and live streaming them.
Penalty For Streaming PUBG Mobile Or Banned Chinese Apps, Says MeitY indiatimes.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from indiatimes.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Updated: December 24, 2020 2:43 PM IST
People and groups who are publicising the content are disobeying the imposed ban, and are motivating others to do the same, due to which they can be prosecuted and penalized. (Image: BGR India)
PUBG Mobile was amongst the most popular mobile games in India. Both its main version and its Lite version had millions of downloads in the country. But on September 2, the Indian government banned the game under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act. It said that the app has been engaging in activities prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity, defence and security of India. Also Read - PUBG Mobile Lite Season 23 to kick off on April 1; will bring a new Winner Pass
There is no penalty prescribed for individual users of mobile apps such as TikTok, PUBG, CamScanner, UC Browser etc which were blocked by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology citing security concerns.
However, there is penalty prescribed for intermediaries under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act who fail to comply with blocking order.
This was told by the Ministry in reply to an RTI application made by a law student named Prasoon Shekhar. MeitY does not ban any App. However blocking of specified Apps was done under the provisions of Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 and its Rules namely Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking Access of Information by the Public) Rules, 2009.