MeitY receives three applications for the formation of Self-Regulatory Bodies

It has been recently reported that three applications have been submitted to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) for establishment of a self-regulatory body (SRB) as per the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2023 (“Amendment Rules”). The deadline for the submission of these proposals was July 6, 2023. The SRBs will primarily be assigned the responsibility of assessing and determining whether or not an online real money game complies with the regulations set forth in the statutes (and whether it would be permissible to operate in India). The applications for the establishment of SRBs have been submitted by the following industry bodies:

1. Esports Players Welfare Association (EPWA)


2. E-Gaming Federation (EGF) along with the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS)


3. All-India Gaming Federation (AIGF)

Numerous applications for formation of SRBs indicates a growing interest within the online gaming industry for effective governance and regulation. The MeitY will now scrutize these applications (for establishment of SRBs) to analyze whether they fulfil the purpose of the statute. If a SRB is not found suitable, the Amendment Rules give the power to MeitY to ascertain and certify online real money games.