Gamban challenges India’s app blocking order in High Court
UK-based gambling harm prevention app Gamban has moved the Delhi High Court against the Indian government’s decision to block its website and app under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act.
The company says it has been inaccessible in India for more than three years, even though its software is designed to help people block gambling websites and betting apps instead of offering gambling services.
According to the petition, first reported by MediaNama, Gamban says it has been mistakenly included in MeitY’s February 2023 crackdown on gambling apps, during which several online gambling platforms were blocked under Section 69A.
The company argues that its software does exactly the opposite of what gambling apps do. Instead of offering betting or casino services, Gamban blocks access to gambling websites, betting platforms and online casino apps installed on a user’s device.
Seeking response from MeitY
Although Gamban says its service is available globally, the company claims that Indian users have been unable to access its website or download the app since the blocking order took effect.
The petition further alleges that MeitY neither provided a copy of the blocking order nor offered the company an opportunity to present its case before taking action.
According to Gamban, the ministry responded for the first time only in May 2025, more than two years after the block was imposed. In its response, MeitY reportedly cited concerns over Android user privacy, alleged “super app” capabilities that could monitor browser activity and other applications, and claims that users received more gambling ads after cancelling their subscriptions.
The ministry also requested that Gamban undergo a security audit by a government-approved agency before its restoration request could be considered. Gamban has rejected each of those claims.
Issues over GDPR compliance
The company says the app is GDPR-compliant, collects only the data needed for its core functionality, and processes most information directly on users’ devices. It also says it does not access banking or financial applications and that the permissions it requests are limited to identifying and blocking gambling websites and apps.
According to the petition, Google has already reviewed those permissions and approved the application in accordance with its Play Store privacy requirements.
Founded in 2017, Gamban is a self-exclusion tool aimed at people recovering from gambling addiction. The company says its software is available in 197 countries, with more than 600,000 registrations across over 800,000 devices. It also says it works with several regulators and public bodies, including Norway’s state gambling operator Norsk Tipping, the Welsh Government, and gaming control boards in Ohio and Michigan.
Gamban also disputes the allegation that it exposes users to more gambling advertisements after subscriptions end, arguing that it neither tracks users nor shares their information with advertisers or third parties.
Beyond challenging the factual allegations, the petition argues that none of MeitY’s stated reasons fall within the limited grounds permitted under Section 69A. It also questions whether the ministry had the legal authority to require a government-approved security audit before considering an unblock request.
Through the petition, Gamban is asking the Delhi High Court to direct MeitY to produce the original blocking order and related records, review the legality of the government’s decision, revoke the blocking order and restore access to its website and app across internet service providers, Google Play and Apple’s App Store in India. The company has also sought compensation for losses resulting from the prolonged block.
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