Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game developed by Shanghai-based Moonton, has amassed over 1 billion downloads globally since its 2016 launch. However, its absence from U.S. app stores and restricted access for American players has sparked debates. Why is Mobile Legends banned in the US? The answer lies in a tangled web of geopolitical tensions, data privacy concerns, copyright disputes, and regulatory scrutiny.
In this deep dive, we explore the multifaceted reasons behind the ban, analyze its implications for gamers and developers, and examine how similar apps have navigated U.S. regulations. Backed by legal filings, market data, and expert insights, this guide answers the pressing question: Why is Mobile Legends banned in the US?
The Rise of Mobile Legends and Its Global Clout
Before dissecting why Mobile Legends is banned in the US, it’s essential to understand its global footprint. As of 2023:
- Mobile Legends boasts 75 million daily active users, primarily in Southeast Asia.
- The game generated $1.2 billion in revenue in 2022, with Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines as top markets.
- Its esports league, MPL, offers $15 million in annual prize pools.
Despite this success, the U.S. market remains largely inaccessible. Let’s unravel why.
Why Is Mobile Legends Banned in the US? Key Factors
Data Privacy and National Security Concerns
The U.S. government has grown increasingly wary of apps developed by Chinese companies due to fears of data misuse under China’s National Intelligence Law (2017). This law mandates that Chinese firms assist the government in intelligence-gathering efforts if requested.
- TikTok Precedent: In 2020, the Trump administration attempted to ban TikTok over similar concerns. While Mobile Legends lacks TikTok’s scale, its Chinese origins have placed it under scrutiny.
- Data Flow Risks: A 2021 report by the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission highlighted that apps like Mobile Legends could expose U.S. user data (e.g., device info, IP addresses) to third parties.
While Moonton denies sharing data with Chinese authorities, the lack of transparency about data storage practices has fueled skepticism.
Copyright Infringement Lawsuits
Riot Games, the Tencent-owned developer of League of Legends (LoL), sued Moonton in 2017 and again in 2022, alleging that Mobile Legends copied LoL’s “characters, artwork, maps, and gameplay mechanics.”
- 2017 Settlement: Moonton paid an undisclosed sum to Riot Games but continued operating.
- 2022 Lawsuit: Riot accused Moonton of “deliberately evading Google’s copyright enforcement” by rebranding the game (Mobile Legends: 5v5 MOBA → Mobile Legends: Bang Bang).
U.S. courts have historically sided with intellectual property (IP) holders. The ongoing litigation has made U.S. app stores hesitant to host Mobile Legends, contributing to its de facto ban.
Geopolitical Tensions and Trade Restrictions
The U.S.-China tech war has ensnared apps like Mobile Legends. Key developments include:
- Executive Order 13942 (2020): Banned transactions with ByteDance (TikTok) and Tencent (WeChat). While Mobile Legends wasn’t explicitly named, the order set a precedent for scrutinizing Chinese apps.
- CFIUS Reviews: The Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. has blocked multiple Chinese acquisitions over data risks.
Though Mobile Legends isn’t banned nationwide, its absence from Google Play and Apple App Store in the U.S. suggests compliance with “voluntary” restrictions to avoid legal battles.
Consumer Protection and Loot Box Regulations
U.S. regulators have cracked down on “loot boxes” and in-app purchases (IAPs) in games, citing gambling risks for minors. Mobile Legends’ monetization model includes:
- Skins and Heroes: Purchasable via diamonds (in-game currency).
- Gacha Mechanics: Randomized rewards for character upgrades.
In 2022, the FTC reported that 15% of U.S. parents faced unauthorized charges from children’s gaming IAPs. While not unique to Mobile Legends, its lack of compliance with stricter U.S. consumer laws (e.g., California’s AB 2273) may have contributed to its exclusion.
The Impact of the Ban: Who Loses?
Gamers
- U.S. MOBA Fans: Forced to use VPNs or sideload APKs, risking malware exposure.
- Esports Aspirants: The U.S. Mobile Legends community lacks access to official tournaments.
Moonton
- Lost Revenue: The U.S. gaming market was worth $56.6 billion in 2022.
Brand Perception: The ban fuels narratives about Chinese tech firms being “untrustworthy.”
How Other Chinese Apps Navigate US Regulations
| App | Status in U.S. | Reason for Survival |
|---|---|---|
| TikTok | Operational | Oracle-led data localization |
| Genshin Impact | Available | Published by U.S.-registered HoYoverse |
| Restricted | Banned under Trump, partially reinstated |
Mobile Legends could follow TikTok’s model by partnering with a U.S.-based entity to manage data. However, its legal disputes with Riot Games complicate this path.
Legal and Regulatory Timeline: Key Events
- 2017: Riot Games files its first lawsuit against Moonton.
- 2020: Trump’s Executive Order 13942 targets Chinese apps.
- 2021: FTC fines Epic Games $520 million over IAP practices.
- 2022: Riot Games renews copyright lawsuit against Moonton.
- 2023: Mobile Legends remains unavailable on U.S. app stores.
Will Mobile Legends Return to the US?
For Mobile Legends to re-enter the U.S. market, Moonton must:
Resolve Copyright Disputes: Settle with Riot Games or redesign infringing elements.
Ensure Data Compliance: Partner with U.S. firms to localize data storage.
Adapt Monetization: Align loot boxes with state laws (e.g., Illinois’ HB 3531).
Conclusion: Why Is Mobile Legends Banned in the US? A Perfect Storm
Why is Mobile Legends banned in the US? The answer combines legal battles, data privacy risks, and geopolitical friction. While Moonton’s MOBA thrives elsewhere, its path to the U.S. market is blocked by Riot Games’ lawsuits, regulatory skepticism, and consumer protection standards.
For American gamers, alternatives like Wild Rift fill the void. For Moonton, the U.S. remains a tantalizing yet elusive frontier—one that demands strategic overhauls and diplomatic navigation.
