Exclusive | Ahead of Asia Cup, banned Chinese betting apps sneak their way into India

The government is considering tightening the noose on Chinese gaming and betting apps once again, after noticing increased activity by banned entities operating under pseudonyms, sources told Zee Business. The government has already blocked a number of Chinese apps, and added more to its list over time, citing security concerns.

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), the watchdog of consumer interest in the country defined under the Consumer Protection Act, took cognizance of the matter, and stated, in a letter to the ministries of telecom, and electronics and IT, that a host of illegal apps have restarted operations using similar or changed names, or a change in language. 

The CCPA is a government body aimed at promoting, protecting, and enforcing the rights of consumers in the country. 

The government also contacted social media platforms including Meta and X (formerly Twitter) regarding the issue, asking why they have hosted banned apps on their platforms. It also directed them to use Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven solutions to remove such ads, put in place through banned apps, from their platforms. 

The likely move by the CCPA comes days after the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) advised media entities from running direct or indirect ads about the likes of gambling and sports betting, ahead of the start of the Asia Cup cricket tournament. 

Last week, the government advised media entities, including online advertisement intermediaries and social media platforms, to refrain from running ads and promotional content on betting or gambling in any form, warning all such stakeholders of appropriate action in case of failure to comply.

The I&B ministry said that black money is likely involved in gambling and betting advertisements, triggering a spike observed around major sporting events. ALSO READ: Media entities warned against direct or indirect ads about gambling & sports betting

While tournaments like Asia Cup this month and the ICC World Cup in October are expected to attract the highest bets from India, tennis Grand Slams and golf Majors are also popular tournaments for betting in the country. Leagues such hockey, football and pro kabaddi also garner a sizeable amount of bets.