The future of Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) in India hangs in the balance once again as the popular mobile gaming app faces the looming threat of a renewed ban. This time, the spotlight is on Seema Haider, a woman whose connection to an Indian man through the game may be linked to the potential ban. Despite BGMI’s efforts to distinguish itself from PUBG Mobile, concerns have been raised by the Indian government regarding potential data transfers to servers associated with China.
The concerns stem from worries about the possible misuse of user data, encompassing sensitive information such as location, audio recordings, and more. A recent News18 report revealed that a senior official from the Union government’s cybersecurity division, responsible for coordinating with law enforcement agencies, has suggested discontinuing the app.
The entry of Pakistani national Seema Haider into India, allegedly meeting her partner Sachin Meena through the gaming platform, has added a new layer of suspicion. The Indian government is expressing concerns that data collected by BGMI could be exploited for surveillance or cyberattacks. This apprehension is fueled by BGMI’s perceived connection to PUBG Mobile, which was previously banned due to its ties to a Chinese company [AFK Gaming].
While reports indicate that BGMI’s servers are located in the US, authorities are diligently investigating to ensure that data is not being transferred to other servers. Krafton, the company behind BGMI, is now under scrutiny, and a detailed inquiry has been initiated, with the eagerly awaited response from the company.
A crucial meeting is scheduled for next week, where Krafton will have the opportunity to present its case. Central agencies will reassess their position after evaluating the company’s response, ultimately determining the fate of the game in India.
Why was BGMI banned in 2022?
BGMI faced a ban in India in 2022, primarily due to concerns related to data security. The government was alarmed by the possibility of user data, including location and audio, being transferred to servers possibly linked to China, raising fears of misuse. Although BGMI is a separate app, its association with PUBG Mobile, previously banned for similar concerns, added to the suspicions. These cumulative factors led to the removal of BGMI in July 2022.
