Chinese tech giant Tencent faces obstacles in India shortly after its re-entry into the country. A non-profit organization called PRAHAR (Public Response Against Helplessness and Action for Redressal) has requested an immediate ban on Tencent’s latest game, ‘Undawn’, which was launched in India on June 15.
In a letter addressed to the Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, PRAHAR called for a ban on the game under Section 69A of the IT Act. The organization argues that the game poses a threat to the country’s sovereignty and national security, particularly since Tencent chose to release it on the anniversary of the Galwan clashes, a conflict between Chinese and Indian soldiers.
PRAHAR stated, “We request you (the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)) take action to immediately ban this game under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, as it threatens the sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of the state, and public order.”
The organization’s national convener and national president, Abhay Mishra, emphasized the need for vigilance against Chinese influence and technology invasion, urging Indians to staunchly defend the country’s sovereignty and security.
According to the letter, Undawn gameplay allegedly includes weapons used by Chinese forces during the Galwan incident. PRAHAR perceives the game’s launch as an insult to India and its brave soldiers, expressing concern over the potential impact of Chinese soft influence on Indian children.
Tencent’s re-entry into India’s gaming market with the launch of Undawn occurred three years after Indian authorities banned several Chinese apps, including Tencent’s PUBG Mobile, due to national security concerns. Since then, South Korean gaming giant Krafton severed ties with Tencent and relaunched PUBG in India independently.
Tencent has now adopted a revised strategy and entered the Indian gaming market through its Singapore and Amsterdam-based game publishing arm, Level Infinite. The company aims to capitalize on the booming Indian gaming industry, driven by affordable smartphones and internet subscriptions. India is one of the world’s fastest-growing gaming markets, generating a total revenue of INR 13,500 crore by the end of 2022.
