Why is PUBG Getting Banned? A Deep Dive into the Controversy
The question of why PUBG (PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds), particularly the mobile version, has faced bans in several countries is complex. The primary reason cited is concerns over data privacy and national security, coupled with accusations of promoting violence and addiction. These concerns have led governments to take drastic measures, temporarily or permanently banning the game. This article explores the core reasons behind these bans, specifically focusing on the ban in India, and provides answers to related frequently asked questions.
The Core Reasons for PUBG Bans
The most prominent justification for banning PUBG Mobile, particularly in the case of India, was the apprehension about data security and privacy. The game, developed by Tencent Games (a Chinese company), raised concerns about user data potentially being collected and transferred to servers in China. This, according to governments, posed a threat to national security, as this data could be misused or accessed by foreign entities.
Beyond data security, the violent nature of the game has also come under scrutiny. The game’s realistic depiction of combat and shooting, with players fighting until only one remains, has led to debates on whether it promotes violence, especially among younger audiences. The addictive nature of the game has further contributed to these concerns. Spending excessive hours playing games like PUBG Mobile has been linked to issues of mental health, lack of focus, and reduced physical activity.
These combined factors, namely the concerns around national security, data privacy, the portrayal of violence, and the potential for addiction, have led to bans in some countries. However, it’s important to remember that each ban might have nuances unique to that particular country’s specific geopolitical and social context.
India’s Ban on PUBG Mobile
The most notable and widely discussed ban on PUBG Mobile occurred in India on September 2, 2020. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) cited that the game, along with 117 other Chinese apps, was “prejudicial to the sovereignty, integrity, defence of India and public order”.
Here’s a breakdown of the primary reasons:
- Data Security: The Indian government had strong concerns about the transfer of user data from the game to servers in China, believing it could be used for surveillance or other malicious purposes.
- National Security: The perceived threat to data security was linked to national security concerns, with the government stating that the game posed a threat to the country’s sovereignty and integrity.
- Public Order: The government also mentioned the need to protect public order, implying that the addictive and potentially violent nature of the game could negatively impact the population, particularly the youth.
Following this, PUBG Mobile was removed from the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store in India, making it impossible for users to download the game through official channels. The ban was a significant step in the ongoing tensions between India and China. Although there was a later attempt to reintroduce a version of the game specifically tailored for India, the underlying concerns regarding data security have remained a topic of discussion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about PUBG Bans
To address further queries and provide deeper insight, here are some frequently asked questions about PUBG bans:
1. Was PUBG banned in any other countries besides India?
While India’s ban was the most high-profile, PUBG Mobile has faced bans or restrictions in other countries as well, often due to similar concerns about data security, violence, or addiction. Specific cases include short-term bans or restrictions in some countries within the Middle East.
2. Is PUBG Mobile still banned in India?
The original version of PUBG Mobile remains banned in India. However, a special version, Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), was released, which is designed exclusively for Indian players and purportedly addresses the data privacy concerns. Nevertheless, this version has also experienced periodic bans and subsequent relaunches as the Indian government continues to assess compliance.
3. Why was Fallout 3 banned in India?
Fallout 3, an unrelated game, was banned in India due to “cultural sensitivities,” a reason cited by Microsoft. It was never widely available through formal retail channels within the country.
4. Is PUBG Mobile available in the US?
Yes, PUBG Mobile is available for download and play in the United States on both iOS and Android platforms without any bans or restrictions.
5. How does playing PUBG for an extended amount of time affect players?
Excessive gaming can lead to addiction, eye strain, reduced physical activity, social isolation, and mental health issues like anxiety and depression. While PUBG, like other games, can be fun in moderation, spending too much time gaming can negatively impact other aspects of one’s life.
6. What was PUBG called before?
Before becoming PUBG: Battlegrounds, it was originally known as PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds.
7. What alternatives do gamers have after a PUBG ban?
Popular alternatives to PUBG Mobile include Call of Duty: Mobile, Garena Free Fire, and, at times, Among Us. These games offer similar multiplayer experiences but with slight variations in gameplay mechanics and aesthetics.
8. Why is PUBG so popular in the first place?
PUBG’s popularity is attributed to several factors. It offers a unique battle royale experience, and its early adoption by streamers and content creators on platforms like Twitch and YouTube contributed to its viral spread. Effective digital marketing strategies were also crucial to its success.
9. What are the common reasons for getting a PUBG account banned?
Common reasons for account bans in PUBG include cheating/hacking, the use of third-party apps for unfair advantages, and the exploitation of glitches within the game. These actions are considered a violation of the game’s terms of service and can lead to permanent or temporary bans.
10. Is Fortnite banned in India?
Fortnite was removed from the App Store and Google Play store in August 2020 due to disputes over revenue sharing with the app store platforms, not due to government bans.
11. How much is the company that owns PUBG worth?
Krafton Inc., the company that owns PUBG, has produced or owns the rights to several notable video game titles, including TERA, PUBG: Battlegrounds, New State Mobile, and Moonbreaker. The CEO of Krafton, Changhan Kim, has a net worth estimated at around $2.9 billion.
12. How much money does PUBG make daily?
PUBG Mobile is a highly lucrative game. It has consistently picked up more than $700 million per quarter, with daily revenues averaging around $8.1 million in 2021.
13. What is the longest survival time in PUBG?
The record for the longest survival time in PUBG is held by Hammad Mughal, aka Mr. Beast, with a staggering 65.1 minutes.
14. What is the appropriate age to play PUBG?
While the ESRB states that the game is suitable for 13-year-olds and above, PEGI recommends this title for those above 16. Parents should consider these ratings and the game’s content when deciding whether it’s appropriate for their children.
15. Is TikTok banned in the USA, Russia, and China?
While TikTok is facing increased scrutiny in the USA leading to bans for government agencies, it remains available for public use. In Russia, most international social media platforms are blocked or banned, but TikTok is still accessible. Ironically, TikTok itself is not available in China; there’s a different version called Douyin.
Conclusion
The story of PUBG bans highlights the growing concerns surrounding data privacy, national security, and the influence of online games. The reasons for the bans are often multifaceted, varying slightly from country to country. However, the central theme remains the tension between the enjoyment of such games and the protection of individual and national interests. While the future of PUBG and other similar games may remain uncertain in some regions, these bans serve as a reminder of the crucial need for responsible gaming and a conscious approach to how we interact with digital technologies.