India, Oct. 14 -- Well, it is time to face the legal and regulatory music. The Government's draft rules for online games, which were uploaded to invite public feedback till October 31, 2025, are harsher than expected. In some cases, the offenders cannot get bail, with jail being the only option. The proposed regulatory authority may not always require a warrant to investigate, search, seize property, and even arrest an individual. Apart from paying the penalties and fines, those who are judged to be guilty can be imprisoned.

It is not just the errant gaming firms that will be under surveillance of the proposed Online Gaming Authority, the regulator. Banks, payment intermediaries, and advertising agencies can be booked processing transact...