PUBG Ban In: Back in September 2020, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) released a list of 118 apps to be banned
PUBG Mobile was one of the most played games in India. Moreover, the game guided the country towards a very good future in esports and, many players emerged as streamers and professionals. However, PUBG has faced many difficult times in the world because of the violence it posses in-game
Why PUBG was Banned?
The game was handed a ban by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) under the section of 69A of Information Technology (IT) Act. Moreover, the main reason behind the ban was the Chinese connection. However, the game is said to be Korean but, the mobile version is distributed by the Chinese company Tencent.
Relation between China and India is not good and this costed the game too. Furthermore, Press Information Bureau (PIB) came up with a statement “Government Blocks 118 mobile apps which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defense of India, security of the state, and public order.”
Since then, the battle royale game is unavailable from all the application stores. Later on, the company confirmed that they have parted ways with Tencent and will launch a custom-made game, especially for Indian gamers.
PUBG Ban In: List of Countries where PUBG is Banned
India is not the only country to ban the game. Countries like Jordan, China, Iran, and many others also have banned the game in their region for various reasons. However, some countries like Pakistan and Nepal also banned the game but later on changed their decision. Here is a list of countries other than India where PUBG is banned.
1. China
China was one of the first countries to ban the game. Moreover, the Chinese officials banned the game because they found there is too much bloodshed in the fights.
Later on, Tencent developed a game especially for China, naming it Game for Peace. Furthermore, the blood is shown in green color, and shooters lying in a pool of blood wave goodbye and fly off.
2. Iran
The reason behind the ban in Iran is that the game causes social and psychological issues to the public. However, PUBG is not the only game banned in Iran. Games like Fortnite and Blue Whale also faced a ban back in 2019 along with PUBG Mobile.
3. Nepal
A PIL was filed against the game in Nepal saying that it affects the children. Furthermore, the district high court in Kathmandu found the game verdict by the Metropolitan Crime Division. Later on, after several petitions, the Supreme Court of Nepal uplifted the game.
4. Jordan
The government of Jordan quoted the negative effects of PUBG on the region’s citizens as the reason behind the ban. Although, the game is banned in Jordan since 2019.
5. Pakistan
The game was banned by Pakistan as well. In a press release, Pakistan Telecommunication Authorities (PTA) stated that they had received numerous complaints against the game. Furthermore, the main reason behind the ban as it was very much addictive and influences negativity on Children.
The game was banned in July 2020 and was uplifted only after few days.
6. Afghanistan
The Afghanistan Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ATRA) handed a ban to the game consulting their experts. However, ATRA consulted the Ministry of Telecommunication and Science, psychologists, parents, school headmasters, cyber security experts, and other relevant sources before suspending the battle royale game in the country.
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