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ShareMumbai: Violent computer games are passé. Kids now have access to games that goad them to sexually assault women. DNA explores the evolving world of gaming.
Expert speak
Cops should block offending websites
It is a criminal offence to sell sex games with graphic visuals. Under section 292 of the Indian Penal Code whoever sells, rents out, distributes, publicly exhibits or in any manner puts into circulation can be hauled up.
The law also specially restricts production and possession. Violators and peddlers of such pornographic material may be punished. The penalty includes imprisonment and a monetary fine. Recently there were amendments to section 67A of the Information Technology Act. The amendment deals with any kind of sexually explicit material especially anything that falls under child pornography.
Online version and pirated copies of such explicit games should be blocked so that people have no access to it. The Cyber Crime cell can look into the matter and block the offending gaming websites.
--Karnika Seth, Chairperson of Cyberlaws Consulting Centre, Seth Associates
Can lead to suicidal thoughts, depression
It is quite shocking to know that the Japanese sex game has come in Indian public domain. The government must ban this game instantly. But I'm unsure if teens can be prevented from gaining access to such a game. The virtual games in the market are extremely violent and are extremely harmful. They invoke wrong tendencies among teenagers. Persons in the age group of 13-18 are quite vulnerable due to hormonal changes in their body. They areinquisitive about sex and such games will attract their attention. The rape game can be dangerous since teenagers cannot differentiate between the virtual and real world. At an advanced stage it can create depression. Parents need to play a greater role. They have to monitor their children's activity carefully without being intrusive. They must try diverting their mind towards outdoor games and books .
--Seema Hingorrany, clinical psychologist
Games have a corrupting influence
I'm surprised that games with graphic visuals are easily available online. It will have a bad effect on today's generation. Teenagers may not necessarily intend to play such games, but may try it out of curiosity. These games will unnecessarily put wrong ideas in their minds. Children are smart and internet-savvy so there is no stopping them. Even if restrictions are built into the software, it will stop them from playing such games or watching content they are not meant to. I keep a tab on what my children are doing and we often browse the internet together.
--Dimple Jhaveri
Consider restricting internet usage
Most video games are violent in nature, but now games involving nudity are taking things too far. Inevitably they will have a negative impact on a child's psyche. Children pick up from what they see around, without fully understanding the consequences. I cannot imagine the impact the game involving perpetrating crimes against women will have on their psyche. Such games need to be banned completely; the cyber crime authority should see that it doesn't spread. If it continues, then as a parent have no choice but to discontinue internet usage at home.
--Rajni Kalamkar
Such games need to be banned
Children imbibe from everything they observe in their environs. Such explicit games involving crimes against women will have a bad effect on them. They should be banned and people who are selling them should be punished. Videogames are meant for entertainment, but this is going too far. With easy access to internet at home and cyber cafes, it is difficult for parents to keep a tab on their children and their activities. The only solution is that parents should talk to their children and make them understand the ill-effects of such things before it's too late.
--Dinu Verghese
Stop wrong use of internet tool
Availability of such games online is indeed shocking. Such games will surely corrupt the minds of the youth. Instead of good education and values that should be inculcated in the minds at a young age, they will be influenced by such vulgar games. Internet has surely grown as a medium but such games need to be banned or blocked. Internet can be used for a better purpose, like education or imparting traditions and values. The cyber crime cell needs to have strict laws and must keep a tab on peddlers of pornographic video games and online content.
--Surendran Nair
