PUBG ban in India: Why banned game still available in country NCPCR asks IT ministry

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The apex child rights body NCPCR on Tuesday sought explanation from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology on how the banned PUBG game was still available to be used by minors, days after a 16-year-old boy allegedly shot dead his mother after she stopped him from playing the online game. Also Read — PUBG Mobile ban concerns: IOA responds to NCPCR allegation of identifying PUBG Mobile as Esports

In 2020, the government blocked popular gaming app PUBG and others, terming them prejudicial to the sovereignty, integrity and defence of the nation. Also Read — PUBG Mobile to Candy Crush Saga: Here are the top 5 grossing mobile games worldwide

Last week the boy allegedly shot dead his mother as she stopped him from playing the online game in Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh. “In view of this incident, it is beyond the understanding of the commission how a banned game… which has been blocked by the government, is still available for use by minors. Therefore, the Commission requests your good offices to inform reasons for availability of such blocked applications over the internet,” the NCPCR wrote to the ministry secretary. Also Read — Sony PlayStation 5 new update adds TikTok-like gameplay editing features: Check details

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights also requested that it may be informed regarding action taken in such incidents and be provided with a list of such games which are being used by minors along with their regulating bodies and their regulating mechanism within 10 days of receipt of this letter.

In another letter to the president of the Indian Olympic Association, the commission said it has been observed that PUBG has been recognised a part of e-sports and has further received recognition