Mumbai: The All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), the apex industry body for online gaming in India, has submitted its comments and recommendations to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) regarding the Draft Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, 2025. As the oldest and most diverse federation in the online gaming sector, AIGF has emphasized the need for a balanced and practical regulatory framework that supports innovation while ensuring data privacy and security for India’s 40 crore Digital Nagriks.
With India’s online gaming industry valued at over USD 10 billion, AIGF’s recommendations focus on enhancing clarity and compliance feasibility for businesses, particularly the MSME gaming startup sector, without imposing disproportionate compliance burdens.
Key Recommendations Submitted by AIGF
Security Safeguards (Rule 6): Revising Rule 6(1)(a) to allow Data Fiduciaries the flexibility to adopt ‘appropriate measures’ instead of the mandated ‘reasonable measures’, ensuring businesses can implement security mechanisms suited to their operations.
Personal Data Breach Reporting (Rule 7): Introducing a materiality threshold for data breach reporting to the Data Protection Board (DPB) and implementing a staggered reporting approach to prevent unnecessary alarm while maintaining an effective reporting system.
Intimation to Affected Users (Rule 7): Modifying Rule 7(1) to include a materiality threshold for notifying users about data breaches, allowing Data Fiduciaries adequate time to assess and compile accurate information before user notifications.
Retention Timelines (Rule 8): Seeking clarity on user-base thresholds, particularly for online gaming intermediaries managing multiple platforms, simplifying compliance requirements for platforms exceeding 50 lakh registered users.
Roland Landers, CEO of AIGF, highlighted the significance of the regulations and the industry’s collaborative approach, stating, “The DPDP Act and Rules are a significant regulatory development that will require substantial operational changes for businesses. We appreciate the consultative approach taken in shaping these regulations and look forward to actively participating in the stakeholder engagement process. AIGF remains committed to working collaboratively to ensure a smooth transition, support our members in navigating these changes, and help shape a regulatory framework that balances data protection with the sustainable growth of India’s gaming ecosystem.”
