Gamban challenges India's IT Ministry over website ban

UK-based software company Gamban, which combats gambling addiction, has filed a writ petition with the Delhi High Court against India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The company is challenging a Section 69A blocking order issued in February 2023, which has rendered its website inaccessible in India for over three years. Gamban argues its service blocks access to gambling applications, rather than enabling gambling itself, and thus should not have been blocked.

Founded in 2017, Gamban provides a self-exclusion tool for individuals recovering from gambling addiction. According to the petition, the app operates in 197 countries, has over 600,000 registrations across more than 800,000 devices, and is ISO-certified. It also reports partnerships with entities like Norway's Norsk Tipping and gaming control boards in Ohio and Michigan.

MeitY had previously cited concerns regarding Android user data privacy, allegations of the app operating as a "super app" capable of monitoring browser history and other applications, and claims of users receiving excessive gambling advertisements post-subscription. In response, Gamban has countered these points, stating it is GDPR-compliant, collects minimal data processed primarily on-device, and clarifies that its requested permissions are solely for detecting and blocking gambling domains.

Gamban is seeking a court order to produce all records related to the blocking decision, revoke the orders, and restore access to its website and app through ISPs and app stores in India. The petition also requests compensation for incurred costs. The case is expected to be listed for hearing soon.