Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, has suggested a complete ban on online games to further prevent cybercrime in the state. He also directed the police to take action against loan apps.

During the progress review meeting in Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat hall, he picked up the topic, saying some of the states have already outlawed online gaming and loan apps that were causing trouble.

Due to these gaming and loan apps, cybercrime in the state is also increasing. He said that banning these online betting games would decrease cybercrime and instructed the police to keep an eye out for any cybercrime reports.

“Take strict action against cybercrime too. We are contemplating on a ban on all online gaming and gambling as well as unauthorised loan apps in the state,” Siddaramaiah said.

Speaking on the topic, Police Commissioner Kuldeep Kumar Jain also revealed that reports of cybercrime have increased recently due to these apps and local celebrities advertising them on social media.

The most extreme approach in this regard was previously taken by the Tamil Nadu state government, which banned all forms of online games that had a monetary aspect, regardless of it being games of skill or games of chance through Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Online Gambling and Regulation of Online Games Act, 2022.

Online gaming companies have filed a petition opposing the law claiming that the law is a direct disregard of several high courts and supreme court rulings. The companies further claimed that the state government has no authority to ban online games.