"Instances of children committing suicide while playing Blue Whale Challenge have been reported in India...You are hereby requested to ensure that any such link of this deadly game in its own name or similar game is immediately removed from your platform," the Ministry of Electronics and IT (Meity) said in a letter to the internet majors.
The letter, dated August 11, was issued following instructions from IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, an official source said.
Expressing concern on availability of such a deadly game on the internet, Meity said, "it is understood that an administrator of the game uses social media platform to invite /incite children to play this game, which may eventually lead them to take extreme steps for self inflicting injuries, including suicide".
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Meity said the proponent of Blue Whale Challenge should be reported to law enforcement agencies.
Internet Service Provider Association of India's President Rajesh Chharia appreciated the government's move for issuing the order to block the game.
"Social media companies should not have waited for the order of the government. They should have checked proliferation of such a game as it is their duty to make internet safe. Government order is highly appreciable and a great order for the present and future generations of the country," Chharia said.
Mumbai-based cyber specialist Prashant Mali said the episode has highlighted the need for a gaming regulator.