NEWSPAPER NOTES

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Referred articles were published in The Hindu.

1. The Peril of Online Gaming: Balancing Innovation and Regulation

Background:

• The article highlights the complex challenges associated with regulating the rapidly expanding online gaming sector in India.
• It notes the significant growth of the industry, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, with a user base of around 42 crore individuals and a 28% annual growth rate.
• While presenting economic opportunities, the rise of online gaming has also brought concerns about addiction, financial fraud, and negative societal impacts.

• The government's attempts to regulate online gaming through self-regulatory bodies have faced challenges.
• The Supreme Court's stay on the notification for a self-regulatory organization (SRO) has created uncertainty in the regulatory landscape.
• The distinction between "games of skill" and "games of chance" is a central legal and regulatory issue, with the latter often associated with gambling and subject to stricter controls.
• Different states have adopted varying approaches, with some like Tamil Nadu implementing outright bans, while others focus on regulation.
• The article discusses the impact of taxation on the gaming industry, specifically the 28% GST on deposits, which has reportedly led to a significant decline in revenue and player base for many companies.
• The industry argues that this high tax discourages legitimate players and may push them towards unregulated, offshore platforms.
• The potential for addiction among vulnerable populations, especially youth, is a significant concern, leading to financial losses and mental health issues.
• Incidents of financial fraud, particularly from illegal offshore betting platforms, are also highlighted as a growing problem.

• There is a pressing need for a clear, comprehensive, and consistent regulatory framework for online gaming across India.
• This framework should differentiate between games of skill and games of chance to ensure appropriate regulation for each.
• The government needs to balance the promotion of a legitimate and innovative gaming industry with the protection of consumers from harm.
• Reconsidering the 28% GST on deposits and potentially shifting to a tax on net gaming revenue could help legitimize the industry and prevent players from moving to illegal platforms.
• Strengthening enforcement mechanisms to crack down on illegal and offshore betting platforms is crucial.
• Implementing robust measures to combat addiction, including age verification, spending limits, and responsible gaming campaigns, is essential.
• Collaborative efforts between the government, industry stakeholders, mental health professionals, and consumer advocacy groups are necessary to create a safe and sustainable online gaming ecosystem.
• The long-term goal should be to harness the economic potential of online gaming while effectively mitigating its associated risks.

2. The Challenges of Online Abuse: Understanding the Legal Framework and Its Gaps

Background:

• The article explores the difficulties in legally addressing online harassment and abuse in India, particularly when there isn't a dedicated law specifically for "cyberbullying."
• It highlights that existing legal provisions often struggle to keep pace with the evolving nature of online harm, including tactics like doxxing, morphing, and the rapid spread of malicious content.
• The pervasive nature of online abuse disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, such as women and children, causing significant distress and reputational damage.

• The current legal approach in India relies on various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Information Technology Act (IT Act) to prosecute cyberbullying.
• Relevant sections include those concerning outraging modesty, sexual harassment, stalking, defamation, criminal intimidation, and the publication of obscene material.
• However, a major challenge is the lack of clear, explicit legal definitions for many forms of online harassment, which makes it difficult to apply existing laws effectively.
• For instance, the terms "obscene" or "frivolous/fraudulent" in the context of online content often lack precise legal boundaries.
• The article mentions the government's power to block online content under Section 69A of the IT Act for reasons like national security or public order. This provision, however, also raises concerns about its potential for misuse and its impact on freedom of expression.
• The Supreme Court's decision to strike down Section 66A of the IT Act in 2015 (which dealt with "offensive" online messages) demonstrates the complexities of crafting cyber laws that protect individuals without curbing free speech.
• Recent incidents of online harassment against public figures like journalists and activists illustrate the ongoing nature of the problem and the persistent challenges in achieving accountability.
• The article suggests that the current legal framework is functional but still incomplete, creating a gap in effectively prosecuting online abuses that don't neatly fit into traditional criminal categories.

• There is a pressing need to develop clearer and more specific legal definitions for various forms of online harassment, including cyberbullying and online stalking.
• Strengthening the investigative and enforcement capabilities of law enforcement agencies to handle cybercrimes more effectively is crucial.
• Policies should consider the responsibility of online platforms and intermediaries in curbing the spread of harmful content, without infringing on freedom of speech.
• Public awareness campaigns are essential to educate individuals about online safety, digital etiquette, and how to report incidents of cyberbullying.
• Providing comprehensive support systems for victims of cyberbullying, including psychological and legal aid, is vital.
• Discussions around the necessity of a dedicated, comprehensive law against cyberbullying should continue, drawing lessons from international best practices.
• Any new legal frameworks must strike a careful balance between ensuring online safety and upholding fundamental rights to free expression and privacy.

NEWS IN SHORTS

Waaf Act & Diplomacy Petitioners question the "presumption of constitutionality" of the Waqf Act. Meanwhile, three Indian teams are set to visit Pakistan to discuss cross-border terrorism.

Spying Case & YouTube Several YouTube channels and individuals, including a YouTuber, are under scrutiny in Haryana for alleged spying connected to a Pakistani network.

US-China AI Competition The US aims to contain China's advanced AI industry through aggressive and transactional engagement, fearing its potential military applications and economic impact.

India's Agricultural & Infrastructure Milestones India is poised to become the world's top potato producer by 2050. Additionally, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project achieved a 300 km viaduct construction milestone.

Pakistan Military & China's Support Pakistan promotes Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir to Field Marshal. China backs Pakistan in defending its sovereignty, emphasizing their strong bilateral ties.

News in Numbers Key figures include 100 new UK sanctions on Russia, 17 IAS/IPS officers transferred in Bihar, 3.53% retail inflation for rural workers in April, ₹1,280 crore investment for godowns, and 60 people killed in Gaza.