Key Highlights:
Mumbai | April 9, 2025:
Krafton India, the developer of Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), is under fire once again. Just months after re-entering the Indian market post-PUBG ban, the company is now facing allegations of selling user data, triggering legal scrutiny and public concern over digital privacy.
According to a report from Talesport, an FIR has been filed at the Akluj police station in Maharashtra, accusing Krafton representatives and three others of selling confidential player data through the messaging app Telegram, allegedly at a rate of ₹2,000 per user.
FIR Filed, Hearing Scheduled for April 15
The first information report (FIR) was registered on September 5, 2024, following a complaint by a Mumbai-based resident. The case names four individuals, including company representatives, and lists multiple serious charges under India’s cybercrime and data protection laws.
The complainant alleges that “confidential data of BGMI users was not only leaked but also distributed to third parties through encrypted messaging apps.”
A court hearing has been scheduled for April 15, and legal experts say this could have widespread implications for both Krafton and the broader Indian gaming industry.
Data Leak Allegations Could Trigger Fresh Ban
The controversy is especially significant given BGMI’s history. The game was launched in India as a rebranded version of PUBG Mobile, which was banned in 2020 over data privacy and national security concerns.
While Krafton had promised data localization and transparency at the time of BGMI’s launch, these new allegations may jeopardize the game’s standing with Indian regulators. If proven true, BGMI could face another ban similar to PUBG.
Cybersecurity analysts also warned of broader repercussions if data privacy laws are found to be violated.
“Selling user data violates the right to privacy under the Indian Constitution and could amount to criminal breach of trust,” said a legal consultant familiar with the case.
Krafton Yet to Issue Official Statement
As of April 9, Krafton has not issued an official response to the FIR or the allegations. The company is expected to respond formally during the court hearing. However, growing public concern and widespread discussion on social media are putting pressure on the developer to clarify its stance.
If the court finds merit in the complaint, the legal consequences for Krafton India could be severe, including criminal prosecution and renewed regulatory scrutiny from the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY).
Background: PUBG Ban and BGMI Launch
PUBG Mobile was banned in India in September 2020 over data privacy and national security concerns. In response, Krafton launched Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) in 2021 with promises of compliance with Indian data laws, hosting data on domestic servers and partnering with Indian entities.
The game has since become one of India’s most popular mobile titles, particularly among youth. The current case, however, casts a shadow on the company’s long-term credibility and may also impact public trust in international game publishers.
In Other News: iPhone Prices Set to Rise Sharply
In a related global tech development, iPhone prices are expected to rise steeply as the U.S. imposes additional tariffs on imports from China. With a 20% base tariff already in place, a new 34% surcharge is likely to make key Apple components more expensive.
Analysts predict that iPhone prices could cross $2,000 in the near future if these tariffs remain in place.
FAQs on BGMI Data Leak and Krafton FIR
Q1. What is the FIR against Krafton India about?
An FIR was filed accusing Krafton India of leaking and selling BGMI user data via Telegram, allegedly for ₹2,000 per user. The case names four individuals, including company representatives.
Q2. Where was the FIR filed?
The FIR was registered at Akluj police station in Maharashtra on September 5, 2024.
Q3. What is the date of the court hearing?
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for April 15, 2025.
Q4. Could BGMI be banned again in India?
If the allegations are proven in court, Krafton may face renewed scrutiny from regulators, and BGMI could potentially be banned, similar to PUBG in 2020.
Q5. Has Krafton India responded to the allegations?
As of now, Krafton India has not released an official statement. A response is expected during the court proceedings.
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