Section 14: Blocking of Information for Public Access (IT Act §69A)

Overview

Section 14 of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, gives the Central Government the power to block websites, apps, and other online resources that offer prohibited online gaming services in India. It uses the existing process outlined in Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, which deals with blocking access to information for public access.

Key Provisions

• Blocking Power: The Central Government can order the blocking of URLs, domains, apps, and other identifiers used to access illegal online gaming services. This power exists *in addition to* all other provisions of this Act.
• IT Act §69A Procedure: The blocking process will follow the established procedure under Section 69A of the IT Act, which includes issuing notices to affected parties and providing an opportunity to be heard.
• Intermediary Responsibility: Internet Service Providers (ISPs), app stores, social media platforms, and other intermediaries are legally required to promptly implement blocking orders and keep records of their compliance.

Practical Impact

This section significantly impacts several stakeholders:

• Citizens: Access to illegal or prohibited online gaming services will be restricted.
• Online Gaming Operators: Operators offering prohibited games face the risk of their platforms being blocked, leading to loss of revenue and business disruption. They must anticipate and prepare for potential evasion tactics being met with further blocking.
• Intermediaries: ISPs, app stores, and social media platforms have a legal obligation to comply with blocking orders, potentially requiring them to invest in technology and processes to enforce these orders.
• Brands & Creators: Individuals and businesses promoting or linking to blocked gaming services could face scrutiny.

Examples

• Example 1: The government identifies a website hosting an online betting game prohibited under the Act. It issues a blocking order under Section 14, and ISPs are required to block access to that website's URL for all users in India.
• Example 2: An online gaming app is found to be circumventing blocking orders by changing its domain name frequently. The government can issue further blocking orders targeting the new domains, as well as the app itself and any associated mirrors or APK files. Intermediaries are expected to proactively monitor for and block these new iterations.