#RegulateNotBan Trends as Netizens Rally Against Blanket Ban

Trending on X, citizen voices and industry petition urge regulation over prohibition to safeguard India’s digital economy

A sweeping wave of citizen support for India’s online gaming industry has taken over social media, with #RegulateNotBan trending across platforms. The momentum follows the passing of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha, spearheaded by IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, which proposes a blanket ban on several gaming formats and now awaits discussion in the Rajya Sabha. Adding to the chorus, the country’s leading online gaming companies have submitted a formal petition to the government, urging for balanced regulation instead of prohibition.

The public outcry is no longer limited to gamers. Professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors are voicing alarm over the bill’s wider economic fallout; particularly its chilling effect on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), innovation and India’s digital growth story. The industry has come together with an online petition urging support of the masses to to reject or amend the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025.

Netizens rallying under the trend argue that instead of a ban, balanced regulation is essential to protect jobs, safeguard investments, and strengthen India’s position as a global digital hub.

An X user said, “A ban ends careers overnight. Regulations strengthen careers for decades. Which future do we want? Balance ensures sustainability.”

 “A ban is like shutting down the internet to stop cybercrime. Absurd. Regulation is the fix.”, another added.

One another user said, “A ban closes doors. Regulation opens opportunities with safety, fairness & accountability. Let’s choose progress, not prohibition.”