India, March 20 -- IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw today informed the Parliament that the government issued directions to digital intermediaries to block 1,298 online gambling websites and apps between 2022 and 2024.

"MeitY has issued 1,298 blocking directions related to online betting/gambling/gaming websites (including mobile applications) between the year 2022-24," informed Vaishnaw.

The minister said that the directions were issued in exercise of powers under Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking for Access of Information for Public) Rules, 2009.

Noting that the government is cognisant of the risks posed by online gaming and potential harms like addiction, Vaishnaw also reiterated that IT Rules, 2021 mandate on...