Priyank Kharge, Minister for IT and Biotechnology in Karnataka, discussed the need for global regulatory frameworks for industries like gaming and cryptocurrency at the Business Today-India Today AI Conclave 2024. He emphasized that the focus should be on protecting consumers while promoting industry growth, pointing out the challenges of cross-border operations in these sectors.

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• Global Regulation Needed: Kharge stressed the need for a global regulatory framework to ensure fair practices in online gaming and cryptocurrency, which operate
• across borders.
• Addiction & Responsibility: Addressing online gaming addiction, Kharge called for a global policy to assign responsibility for gaming-related issues.
• Taxation Issues: He criticized retrospective taxes on the gaming industry, which contribute to significant government revenue but are hampering growth.
• Gaming Industry’s Challenges: Kharge questioned the effectiveness of current tax policies in curbing gaming activities, pointing to the difficulty of tracking game
• servers located abroad.
• Cybersecurity Efforts: Karnataka is working with Meta and Cisco on initiatives to train teachers, students, and cyber warriors to improve online safety and combat
• cybercrime.
• Data Protection Concerns: Kharge criticized the government’s delay in implementing progressive data protection laws, highlighting the lack of consultations on
• privacy issues.
• BJP’s Policy Failures: He accused the BJP-led central government of failing to deliver on promises like Make in India and Digital India.
• Collaborative Approach Urged: Kharge advocated for closer collaboration between state and central governments, as state-level ecosystems are often ahead of
• national developments.
• Cybercrime Awareness: He emphasized that awareness campaigns must reach grassroots levels to effectively combat rising cybercrime, which primarily affects
• vulnerable groups.
• AI Regulation Comparison: Kharge argued against overly restrictive AI regulations in the EU, urging global dialogue to allow flexibility and support industry growth.