FIR Against KRAFTON India: "Data Breach" Allegations Against BGMI Makers, BIG Trouble to Follow?
Let's break down the IPC Sections that the cases have been registered under. These entail IPC 120-B, cheating (IPC 420), and violations under Sections 72, 72A, and 85 of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Krafton is under deep water right now. An FIR has been lodged against BGMI developers for Selling User Data. TalkEsport initially received the FIR copy and has since updated it on their article. But, from what is now available to the public, we can gauge that Krafton has been accused of alleged data breaches, contract violations, and unauthorized sharing.
This has raised a new set of questions for a company that has been working to elevate the Indian ecosystem.
FIR Lodged Against KRAFTON India for Allegedly "Selling Data on Telegram"
The FIR numbered 0474/2024, filed at Akluj Police Station on September 5, 2024 is against four of KRAFTON India’s officials. They have been accused of breaching the online terms of service that were signed on August 2, 2021.
According to the plaintiff, KRAFTON India has been leaking the data of their users to third parties for a sum of ₹2,000 per subscriber. Bear in mind, BGMI currently has over 100 million downloads on Android and has a huge player base on iOS, as well. So, do the math.
Now, let's break down the IPC Sections that the cases have been registered under. These entail IPC 120-B, cheating (IPC 420), and violations under Sections 72, 72A, and 85 of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Now, let's go back to the start and see where it all started. You see, the plaintiff submitted proof to the court that they had filed a similar petition in 2023 at the Akluj Police Station and the Superintendent of Police, Solapur. After that, in a detailed court order dated August 28, 2024, the Judicial Magistrate First Class, Malshiras, asked the concerned police station to investigate the complaint under Section 156(3) of CrPC. This means that an investigation was initiated even before the First Information Report (FIR) was filed.
KRAFTON India Files Writ Petition
Krafton India replied to the FIR by seeking two writ petitions (Nos. 4806 and 5342/2024) before the Bombay High Court to stay the investigation. Their attorneys, headed by senior advocates at Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co., contended against the claims in court filings seen by TalkEsport, seeking relief against the judicial process.
Justices Sarang V. Kotwal and Dr. Neela Gokhale of the High Court merged the petitions, directed the issuance of notices to the respondents, and set the next date of hearing on April 15, 2025, all interim orders standing extended till that date.
India Today Gaming has reached out KRAFTON India for comments on this situation. A follow-up story will be covered when they reply.
