Govt. directs socials media giants to remove 'Blue Whale challenge' links

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Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, taking a strict measure against the deadly online game, Blue whale Challenge, has asked the social media giants like Google, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Microsoft and Yahoo to immediately remove all the links relating to the game, on Tuesday.

"Instances of children committing suicide while 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," stated the ministry, in a letter, to the internet majors.

Taking the cognizance of the recent deaths in Mumbai and West Bengal, the ministry said the proponent of Blue Whale Challenge should be reported to law enforcement agencies.

On August 14, a series of tweets were put out by Ministry of Child and Development stating that Maneka Gandhi has taken up the matter with Home Minister Rajnath Singh and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.

"Smt @Manekagandhibjp has taken cognizance of the self-destructive Blue Whale challenge that has claimed the lives of over 100 youngsters.1/4"

"Smt. @Manekagandhibjp on Monday took up the matter with Home Minister Sh. @rajnathsingh ji & IT Minister Sh @rsprasad ji. 2/4"

"Smt @Manekagandhibjp has requested that the challenge be removed from social media by suitable intervention. 3/4"

"I urge parents & elder to monitor the activities of children & dissuade them from falling prey to such challenges: Smt @Manekagandhibjp. 4/4"

The deadly online 'Blue Whale Challenge' game, however is reportedly a suicide game that challenges players for over 50 days, wherein demanding them to complete tasks given by an anonymous controller.