Is PUBG Banned in India? Latest Updates and Complete Analysis (2025)

Is PUBG still banned in India? A question that is asked by gamers/enthusiasts all over the country. The game was initially banned in India in September 2020, due to concerns over national security and data privacy; ever since PUBG Mobile has remained in limbo. Alternatives like Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) have emerged over the last couple of years, but a significant number of players are still uncertain whether PUBG itself has returned legally or if it is still banned.

In this article, we will provide an update on the current legal status of PUBG, we will also examine why it continues to be banned, we will outline the differences between PUBG Mobile and BGMI, and, at the end, we will help you figure out whether you can legally and safely play PUBG in India in 2025.

History of PUBG Ban in India

The Government of India banned PUBG Mobile and 117 other Chinese apps on September 2020. The Indian government made the decision to ban using Section 69A of. the Information Technology Act, and cited:

• National security
• Data privacy
• User data going to overseas servers

In effect, the ban was on PUBG Mobile and PUBG Mobile Lite which are both developed by the Chinese company Tencent Games.

Why Was PUBG Banned in India?

The key reasons behind the PUBG Mobile ban were:

1. Data Privacy Concerns

Potential threats to data being sent to servers located in China. The Indian government had concerns about compromising Indian users’ personal data.

2. Security Threat

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology viewed the game as a security threat due to geopolitical tensions between India and China.

3. Gaming Addiction and Public Health

One of the public’s concerns regarding the addictive properties of PUBG and its negative effects on mental health, especially amongst youth, contributed to public support for a ban.

What Happened After the Ban?

After the ban in 2020:

• The PUBG Corporation (a subsidiary of South Korea’s Krafton Inc.) cut ties with Tencent in relation to operations in India.
• Krafton announced that they were developing a new version of the game for India, titled Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI).
• BGMI was launched in July 2021 as an alternative to PUBG Mobile intended solely for the Indian market.

Is PUBG Banned in India in 2025?

As of July 2025, the status is as follows:

• PUBGe Mobile and PUBGe Mobile Lite remain banned.
• PUBG PC, which is a stand-alone entity, is legal and available to access as it does not involve Tencent.
• BGMI is the Indian version of PUBGe and was removed from app stores in July 2023, then reinstated in May 2023 also with strong restrictions.

Why BGMI is Allowed While PUBG Mobile is Banned?

• BGMI uses Indian and Singapore based servers for user data.
• The game has stricter requirements regarding playtime, age limits, and in-app purchases to reduce addiction risk.
• Krafton’s direct operation (without involvement from Tencent) contributed to alleviating data privacy concerns.

Recent PUBG Ban Updates in 2025

• As of the middle of 2025, no official announcement has been made about unbanning PUBG Mobile.
• BGMI is still available to play; however, it has periodically been in the scrutiny of Indian authorities.
• Players are still playing PUBG Mobile in an unofficial way through VPNs, but they are illegal, and not advisable.

Government’s Official Stand

The Indian government is looking to take caution:

• Apps with Chinese companies are permanently banned.
• Whatever app, new or relaunched, must comply with Indian IT laws.
• Krafton is communicating with the Ministry of Electronics and IT to be sure that BGMI is compliant.

How Players Can Play PUBG Safely in India

• PUBG PC and PUBG PC Lite (until will be administratively dropped globally) are 100% legal, and players can feel safe playing in India.
• BGMI is legally valid to be played on mobile, and was made for Indian players.
• Don’t use VPNs or unofficial things to access watermarked banned versions in order to avoid legal trouble.

Future of PUBG in India: What Lies Ahead?

While PUBG Mobile’s ban is still active:

• Krafton intends to invest further in India’s gaming ecosystem and intends to produce more titles.
• BGMI’s success shows that localized titles abiding by data privacy laws have a brighter future in India.
• Regulations surrounding online gaming continue to develop in India and compliance will be pivotal for any future launches.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while PUBG Mobile is banned in India, players have legal alternatives, such as BGMI and PUBG PC, to engage with the battle royale experience. Krafton’s swift and decisive action to proactively comply with Indian regulations has allowed the franchise to survive, albeit in a new form. It is recommended players follow official guidelines in order to avoid penalties and game safely.

FAQ’s

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