South Korean game developer KRAFTON, the publisher behind BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India), is under legal scrutiny following a First Information Report (FIR) filed against the company. The FIR, registered on September 5, 2024, at Akluj Police Station in Maharashtra, alleges that KRAFTON and four local executives committed data privacy violations, unauthorised data sharing, contract breach, among other grave charges.
BGMI Developer KRAFTON Booked in Data Breach Case, Possible Ban Looms Ahead of April 15 Hearing
The allegations were made after Santosh Torane, a resident of Maharashtra, alleged that KRAFTON revealed his personal data to third parties through the messaging app Telegram without any approval. The user data was suspected to be sold for around ₹2,000 per user. The offences mentioned in FIR No. 474/2024 are cheating (IPC Section 420), criminal conspiracy (IPC Section 120-B), as well as violations of Sections 72, 72A, and 85 of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Based on the presentation of proof, the Judicial Magistrate First Class directed Akluj police to register an FIR and investigate the matter under Section 156(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure on 28 August 2024. In response, KRAFTON filed two writ petitions with the intent of stopping the proceedings, which have now been consolidated. Informed about it, a hearing on the matter is now fixed for April 15, 2025, before the Bombay High Court, at Justices Sarang V. Kotwal and Dr. Neela Gokhale.
As the Indian government banned PUBG Mobile back in 2020 due to national security reasons, Indian gamers are concerned about the risk of another ban. Although no decision has been reached yet on the fate of BGMI, the case poses vital questions concerning data privacy and corporate accountability in India’s gaming industry. The KRAFTON case nears a likely court date in the Indian High Court, which can have interesting effects over full prayer (meaning getting more details). The future of BGMI across India will depend on the decision here, meaning millions of fans in India are waiting to hear more about the future of gaming across India.
FAQs
Why is KRAFTON under investigation in India?
KRAFTON is accused of illegally sharing user data and violating digital privacy laws.
Could BGMI be banned again in India?
It’s uncertain, but the legal case has raised fears of another possible ban.
