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GS Paper 4
Syllabus: Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics
Source: IE
Context: Major lobby groups, including the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), E-Gaming Federation (EGF), and All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), representing top online gaming companies like Dream11 and Games24x7, have voluntarily signed a code of ethics.
What is a Code of Ethics?
A Code of Ethics is a set of principles or guidelines that outline acceptable and expected behaviour within a particular organization, profession, or industry. It typically addresses issues such as integrity, honesty, fairness, transparency, and accountability, guiding individuals or entities to uphold ethical standards in their actions and interactions.
What is Online gaming?
It refers to video games/mobile games that are played over the internet through various devices. E.g., multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games, first-person shooter (FPS) games, massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs), and many others.
Need for Code of Ethics in India’s Gaming Market:
The gaming market is projected to reach $5 billion by 2025. The code aims to prevent negative impacts such as addiction and suicides due to financial losses. Additionally, promoting transparency and accountability is crucial as online gaming contributes significantly to India’s vision of a $1 trillion Digital Economy.
Aim of the Online Gaming Industry Code of Ethics: The code aims to protect consumer interests, promote informed choices, and establish a “healthy environment” for online games in India. While the code is not legally binding, it outlines commitments such as undertaking know-your-customer (KYC) as per applicable laws and providing transparency on winner determination and platform fees.
Proposed Code of Ethics:
| Objective | Key Commitments |
| Protect Consumer Interests | Companies will enable consumers to make informed choices about online games by disclosing every minute details |
| Create a “healthy environment” for online games in India by spreading consumer awareness about the risks involved in gaming | |
| Compliance | Undertake Know-Your-Customer (KYC) as per relevant laws |
| Transparency | Specify on websites the manner of determining winners, and platform fees charged, and ensure deposits are used for gaming |
| Establish transparency on the platform fee charged | |
| Distinction from Gambling Firms | Clearly differentiate whether the firm is involved in gambling in any way |
Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) has released the Draft Rules for Online Gaming (as an amendment to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021): To know about it Click Here
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is the nodal ministry to regulate gaming.
To know about State Regulations: Click Here
Conclusion:
The online gaming industry in India can continue to grow and provide entertainment and employment opportunities while also protecting players and promoting responsible gaming practices
Insta Links
Mains Links:
Q1. “Internet gaming has turned worse than drugs”. Do you agree? Critically examine the statement in light of the announcement made by the World Health Organization (WHO) to include “gaming disorder” as a mental health condition. (250 words)
Q2. How does gaming addiction, impact children? Do you think China’s recent imposition of a three-hour limit on gaming, is a good way to tackle it? (150 words)
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