Mumbai, April 10: Concerns are mounting among gamers as Krafton, the developer behind Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), faces serious allegations of data privacy violations. A complaint filed by Maharashtra resident Santosh Torane has accused Krafton of leaking and selling user data on the messaging platform Telegram, reigniting fears of a potential ban for the popular game.
According to the First Information Report (FIR) submitted on September 5, 2024, Krafton allegedly sold user data for approximately ₹2,000 per person without obtaining consent. The FIR names several senior executives at Krafton, including WooYol Lim, Jitendra Bansal, Yoonal Soni, and Wooyol Shalom. The charges listed in the FIR include criminal conspiracy and cheating under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), as well as violations of the Information Technology Act.
Torane claims that Krafton has repeatedly ignored his concerns regarding data privacy. In the FIR, he asserts that the company has breached confidentiality agreements by disclosing personal information to external parties. The seriousness of these allegations has prompted the Bombay High Court to schedule a hearing for April 15, 2025, to address the matter.
In response to the allegations, Krafton has firmly denied any wrongdoing. The company issued a statement emphasizing that data protection is of utmost importance to them. “At KRAFTON, the protection of personal data is of utmost importance to us, and we are committed to upholding the highest standards of data security. As the matter is currently sub judice, we believe it is best to wait for the legal process to conclude, after which we will provide any necessary clarifications,” the statement read.
This controversy is particularly sensitive given BGMI's history. The game was launched in India after the previous iteration, PUBG Mobile, was banned in September 2020 due to similar concerns regarding data privacy. The Indian government had implemented a ban on PUBG Mobile under Section 69A of the IT Act, citing national security issues. Although BGMI was later unbanned in May 2023, the new allegations against Krafton could lead to renewed scrutiny from regulators.
As the legal proceedings unfold, players are left in a state of uncertainty. The question on many minds is whether BGMI will face another ban. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology had previously taken a hard stance on data privacy, and any new evidence of data breaches could trigger similar action.
Much of the speculation surrounding a potential ban is based on the serious nature of the allegations. However, it is essential to distinguish between ongoing legal proceedings and concrete evidence that would warrant such a drastic measure. The outcome of the upcoming court hearing will play a crucial role in determining the future of BGMI and could set a significant precedent for data protection within the Indian gaming industry.
Players across India are anxious as they await the court's decision. The community has expressed concerns online, fearing that another ban could incur heavy losses and severely impact the burgeoning esports scene in the country. The uncertainty surrounding the case has left many gamers questioning the reliability of their data security.
As the April 15 hearing approaches, the stakes are high for Krafton and the future of BGMI. The company’s legal team is working diligently to challenge the FIR and halt the investigation. The Bombay High Court's decision will not only determine Krafton's legal fate but also shape the landscape of data privacy regulations within the Indian gaming sector.
In the meantime, Krafton continues to assure the gaming community that it prioritizes data security. The company has urged players to refrain from jumping to conclusions until the legal process has concluded. This situation serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible data handling practices, especially for companies operating in the lucrative mobile gaming market.
As the legal battle unfolds, observers will be watching closely to see how this case impacts not just Krafton, but the entire gaming industry in India. The implications of this case could reverberate far beyond the courtroom, influencing how gaming companies approach data privacy and user security in the future.
With BGMI being a significant player in the esports arena, a potential ban could have far-reaching consequences for players, developers, and the industry as a whole. As players gear up for the upcoming hearing, they remain hopeful that the truth will prevail and that BGMI can continue to thrive in a competitive gaming landscape.
