The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) has blocked 242 illegal betting and gambling website links in its latest enforcement action, according to senior government leaders. This development represents the government's continued crackdown on illegal online gambling platforms that operate without proper authorization.

Enforcement Under Online Gaming Act

The blocking of illegal websites has witnessed a significant increase since the passage of the Online Gaming Act in August 2025. The legislation introduced comprehensive restrictions on real money games that involve financial deposits by users, providing the regulatory framework for enhanced enforcement actions.

Government's Comprehensive Approach

MEITY has taken action against over 7,800 illegal betting and gambling websites as part of its broader enforcement strategy. Government officials told CNBC TV18 that these actions are specifically aimed at curbing both financial and social harm caused by such platforms.

The government's enforcement strategy focuses on:

• Protecting users from financial exploitation
• Shielding youth from gambling-related risks
• Preventing social harm associated with illegal betting platforms
• Maintaining continuous vigilance against new illegal sites

Legal Framework and Enforcement Mechanism

At the time of passing the Online Gaming Act, the government clarified that Section 69A of the Information Technology Act provides the legal authority for blocking betting and gambling websites. This section enables swift action against platforms that violate the established regulations.

Government officials have emphasized that enforcement will be an ongoing process requiring constant vigilance. They stated that monitoring and timely action will continue as new illegal websites and games emerge, with sufficient enforcement machinery in place to ensure effective oversight and intervention.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has firmly rejected reports claiming that India plans to require smartphone manufacturers, including Apple and Samsung, to share proprietary source code or alter their software systems. The ministry emphasized that no such mandate is under consideration and clarified that current activities involve only routine consultations on cybersecurity standards.

Government Response to Media Reports

The clarification follows a Reuters report suggesting India was examining new smartphone security rules with significant implications for global technology companies. The Press Information Bureau (PIB) issued a statement on Sunday categorically denying these claims and labeling them as inaccurate.

Reported Industry Concerns

According to the Reuters report, the proposed security rules would have required manufacturers to:

• Share source code with government authorities
• Notify the government ahead of major software updates
• Comply with additional software-related requirements
• Allow long-term storage of system logs
• Provide government access to devices for security testing

Industry groups reportedly raised concerns that sharing source code could expose sensitive intellectual property and weaken user privacy protections. Global technology companies including Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, and Google had allegedly expressed pushback against these proposals.

Ministry's Clarification on Ongoing Discussions

MeitY officials explained that ongoing discussions represent standard stakeholder engagement processes designed to understand technical challenges, compliance burdens, and international best practices followed by smartphone manufacturers. The ministry assured that all feedback from industry participants would be thoroughly evaluated before any policy direction is considered.

Industry Association Response

The Indian Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), representing mobile, consumer electronics, and telecom equipment manufacturers in India, provided additional context through Chairman Pankaj Mohindroo. He emphasized that these discussions are not new developments but have been ongoing for several years.

Mohindroo expressed confidence that consensus will be reached on the best way forward, describing such consultations as entirely normal government-industry engagement where technical and compliance questions are discussed, and industry responds with international practices and feasibility assessments.