COURTKUTCHEHRY SPECIAL ON HOW KOREAN ONLINE WORKS DESPITE BAN IN INDIA
Korean Online Game Linked to Teen Suicides Raises Alarm in India
Experts Warn of Gaming Addiction Among Teenagers
Despite Bans, Dangerous Games Still Accessible Online
By Our Legal Reporter
New Delhi: February 04, 2026:
The tragic death of two sisters in Ghaziabad has once again highlighted the dark side of online gaming. According to reports, the teenagers were allegedly influenced by a Korean online game that involved completing dangerous “tasks,” culminating in self-harm. Their distraught father revealed that “yesterday was the last task,” pointing to the deadly impact of such games.
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This incident has sparked nationwide concern about gaming addiction among teenagers, the loopholes in India’s anti-gaming laws, and the ease with which banned games can still be accessed.
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What is the Korean Game?
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- The game is reported to be like earlier “challenge-based” games like the Blue Whale Challenge, which gained notoriety worldwide for pushing players toward self-destructive acts.
- Players are assigned daily tasks, starting with harmless activities but gradually escalating to dangerous ones.
- The final stage often involves self-harm or suicide, making it extremely hazardous for vulnerable teenagers.
Dangers of Gaming Addiction Among Teenagers
1. Psychological Manipulation
- Such games exploit curiosity and peer pressure.
- Teenagers are lured into completing tasks for “rewards” or “recognition.”
2. Mental Health Impact
- Addiction leads to anxiety, depression, and isolation.
- Continuous exposure to violent or manipulative content can distort reality.
3. Family and Social Disconnect
- Excessive gaming reduces communication with parents and peers.
- Teenagers often hide their gaming habits, making intervention difficult.
4. Risk of Self-Harm
- Games with escalating challenges push vulnerable players toward dangerous acts.
- The Ghaziabad case is a tragic reminder of how addiction can turn fatal.
Anti-Gaming Laws in India
1. Information Technology Act, 2000
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- Section 67 prohibits publishing obscene or harmful content online.
- Authorities can block websites hosting dangerous games.
2. Juvenile Justice Act
- Protects minors from exposure to harmful digital content.
3. State-Level Bans
- Several states have banned specific games like PUBG Mobile and Blue Whale Challenge.
- Police advisories warn parents about monitoring children’s online activities.
Why Banned Games Are Still Accessible
Despite bans, dangerous games continue to circulate in India due to:
- VPN Services: Players bypass restrictions by masking locations.
- Dark Web Access: Games are shared through hidden online networks.
- Social Media Links: Challenges spread via WhatsApp, Telegram, and Instagram groups.
- App Clones: Developers release modified versions under different names.
Expert Opinions
- Psychologists warn that teenagers are highly vulnerable to online manipulation.
- Cybersecurity experts stress that bans alone are insufficient; stronger monitoring and parental guidance are essential.
- Legal experts argue for stricter enforcement of IT laws and collaboration with tech companies to block harmful content.
Preventive Measures
For Parents
- Monitor children’s online activity.
- Encourage open conversations about gaming habits.
- Set screen-time limits.
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For Schools
- Conduct awareness sessions on digital safety.
- Provide counselling support for students showing signs of addiction.
For Government
- Strengthen cyber monitoring cells.
- Collaborate with global tech firms to block harmful games.
- Launch nationwide awareness campaigns.
Conclusion
The Ghaziabad tragedy is a chilling reminder of the hidden dangers of online gaming. While India has laws to curb harmful digital content, loopholes allow banned games to resurface. Protecting teenagers requires a combined effort by parents, schools, and authorities.
Gaming should be a source of entertainment, not a path to destruction. The urgent need is to educate, monitor, and regulate—ensuring that no child falls prey to manipulative online challenges again.
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