In a significant development that could shake the Indian gaming ecosystem, Krafton India, the developer behind the massively popular BGMI game (Battlegrounds Mobile India), is facing serious allegations of selling BGMI users’ data to third parties. According to multiple credible reports, a formal police complaint (FIR) has been filed, and the matter will be heard in the Bombay High Court on 15 April 2025. This breaking news has triggered concerns among millions of Indian gamers who regularly play BGMI, especially in the backdrop of the PUBG Mobile ban in India a few years ago.
Allegations Against Krafton India: What’s the Case About?
As per the complaint filed at Akluj Police Station on 5 September 2024, Krafton India has been accused of illegally selling confidential user data through the Telegram messaging platform. The complainant, a resident of Maharashtra, claims that the company sold this data at a rate of ₹2,000 per user. Not just that, but the FIR names four individuals involved with the company, including executives like Jitesh Bansal, Hyunil Sohn, and Vuyol Shalom.
The data in question reportedly includes sensitive personal details of users who play the BGMI game in India. If proven true, this case may lead to a major blow not just for Krafton, but for the entire gaming community that values data privacy and digital rights.
Court Hearing Scheduled | Serious Legal Charges
Following the FIR, legal action was initiated, and the case has now reached the Bombay High Court. The next court hearing is set for 15 April 2025, and Krafton has already filed writ petitions to quash the FIR and halt the investigation. The court, however, has issued notices to all respondents and retained interim orders in place.
This incident is being seen as a major turning point, especially considering Krafton’s previous controversies and the BGMI ban news cycle that repeatedly made headlines since PUBG Mobile’s suspension in India.
BGMI’s Troubled Past: A History of Controversies
For those unaware, BGMI was launched in India after the government banned PUBG Mobile in 2020, citing national security and data privacy concerns. Krafton rebranded and relaunched the game under the BGMI name, assuring that Indian users’ data would be stored safely and would comply with local laws.
However, this latest incident has once again raised serious questions about data handling practices in the Indian gaming market. In fact, similar allegations were made in the past regarding PUBG as well — hinting at a pattern that cannot be ignored.
What’s at Stake for Krafton and Indian Gamers?
The BGMI user base in India is massive, with over 100 million downloads on Android alone. Any breach of trust at this scale is not just a legal issue but also a reputational disaster. The allegations, if proven, could lead to further regulatory action, possible bans or restrictions on BGMI, and a broader investigation into data practices of foreign gaming companies operating in India.
This case might also set a new legal precedent in India regarding the accountability of gaming companies handling user data, especially when the audience involves teenagers and minors.
Impact on the Indian Gaming Community
The gaming community in India is reacting with mixed emotions — shock, anger, and concern. Many players are now questioning the safety of their data and the transparency of such companies. Influencers and content creators who built careers around BGMI gameplay are also watching closely, as any adverse legal outcome could disrupt their ecosystem.
Highlights
- BGMI user’s data allegedly sold by Krafton India at ₹2,000 per user.
- FIR filed; names 4 Krafton executives including Jitesh Bansal.
- Next Bombay High Court hearing scheduled for April 15, 2025.
- Case raises echoes of PUBG Mobile ban in India and earlier data privacy issues.
- Potential risk of BGMI ban resurfacing if allegations are proven true.
- The gaming community awaits the court’s decision with bated breath.
Is BGMI Safe Anymore?
The allegations against Krafton India have once again brought data privacy in gaming under the spotlight. As the case unfolds in court, the future of BGMI in India hangs in the balance. For now, Indian gamers are advised to stay informed, secure their app permissions, and wait for an official verdict.
The BGMI ban news cycle might just restart if these allegations are proven in court — and that could mean yet another big shake-up for the Indian gaming industry.
