Tamil Nadu Plans Restricted Wi-Fi for Students to Block Harmful Games and Apps

The Tamil Nadu government is planning to introduce restricted Wi-Fi access for students to prevent them from accessing harmful online games and applications. The government is also considering introducing gaming-related courses in schools and higher education institutions to protect young people online and prepare them for emerging career opportunities.

Minister for IT, AI and Digital Services R Kumar announced the proposals on Wednesday after inaugurating the 18th edition of the India Game Developers Conference (IGDC) 2026.

Restricted Wi-Fi Access for Students

The proposed restricted Wi-Fi system aims to help students distinguish between appropriate and harmful digital content. Under the plan, access to certain websites, applications and online games could be restricted based on suitability for students.

The minister said the government was exploring ways to specify which games students could access and which they should avoid.

The initiative is intended to promote safer internet usage among students while reducing their exposure to potentially harmful digital content.

Gaming Courses to Be Introduced in Educational Institutions

The Tamil Nadu government is also planning to introduce gaming-related curricula in schools and higher education institutions. The move aims to align education with industry requirements and improve employment opportunities for young people.

The Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu (ELCOT) will serve as the nodal agency for developing the State`s gaming ecosystem, according to the minister.

He also noted that Tamil Nadu`s IT policy needed revision to address developments in the technology sector.

AI and Gaming Could Create New Job Opportunities

Acknowledging that artificial intelligence is affecting employment, Kumar said emerging technologies could also create significant job opportunities in the coming years.

He highlighted the potential of gaming, animation, visual effects and extended reality (AVGC-XR) to generate employment.

The proposed curriculum changes are intended to equip students with industry-relevant skills and help them explore careers in these growing technology sectors.

Gaming Industry Highlights Skills Gap

The GDAI GameDev Outlook 2026 survey highlighted the need to bridge the skills gap between educational institutions and the gaming industry.

The survey covered more than 100 industry respondents and 13 academic respondents.

According to the findings:

67.3% of industry respondents expressed willingness to support curriculum advisory boards.

56.7% rated fresh talent as poorly prepared or not ready for industry requirements.

54.8% of surveyed studios plan to expand their teams over the next two years.

These findings underline the importance of industry-focused education and practical training for students seeking careers in gaming and related technologies.

India Game Developers Conference 2026

Organised by the Game Developer Association of India (GDAI), the 18th edition of IGDC 2026 is being held from October 28 to October 31.

The conference brings together game developers, studios, publishers and investors to explore business opportunities, international partnerships and talent development.

The Tamil Nadu government`s proposed initiatives could strengthen the State`s gaming ecosystem while creating new opportunities for students in gaming, animation, visual effects and other emerging technology fields.