In a major development raising data privacy concerns, Krafton India, the maker of the popular online game Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), has been named in a criminal First Information Report (FIR) for allegedly selling user data through Telegram, according to a report by Talkesport.com.
The FIR, filed by Maharashtra-based Santosh Torane, accuses Krafton and four of its executives of breaching contractual obligations, sharing personal data without authorization, and violating multiple provisions of the Information Technology Act and the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Allegations Against Krafton India
According to the FIR registered by Akluj Police in Solapur district, Torane had entered into an online service agreement with Krafton in August 2021. He claims that the company violated confidentiality clauses within the agreement by monetizing and selling user data for ₹2,000 per subscriber via unauthorized channels — specifically on Telegram.
The charges include:
IPC Section 120-B (criminal conspiracy)
IPC Section 420 (cheating)
IT Act Sections 72, 72A, and 85 (breach of confidentiality and privacy)
Legal Developments
After failing to receive a response from local police authorities and the Superintendent of Police, Solapur, Torane moved the Judicial Magistrate First Class at Malshiras. In August 2024, the court directed police to investigate the complaint under Section 156(3) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).
In response to the FIR and ongoing investigation, Krafton has filed a petition in the Bombay High Court seeking relief. A bench consisting of Justices Sarang V Kotwal and Dr Neela Gokhale has clubbed the petitions and scheduled the next hearing for April 15, 2025, while extending all ad-interim orders until then.
Krafton’s Official Statement
In a statement to the media, Krafton emphasized its commitment to data security and legal compliance.
“At KRAFTON, the protection of personal data is of utmost importance to us, and we are committed to upholding the highest standards of data security. As the matter is currently sub judice, we believe it is best to wait for the legal process to conclude, after which we will provide any necessary clarifications,” the company stated.
Background and Implications
This isn’t the first time Krafton has faced scrutiny in India. BGMI, a relaunch of PUBG Mobile tailored for Indian users, has previously been in the spotlight over data-sharing concerns involving Chinese servers, leading to temporary bans.
The latest allegations could deepen regulatory scrutiny over gaming companies and revive national conversations about data sovereignty and user privacy in the digital entertainment sector.
The outcome of the upcoming April 15 hearing in the Bombay High Court will be critical in determining the next steps in this case, which could set a precedent for user data protection in the Indian gaming industry.
