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Government’s Advisory to OTT Platforms on Obscene Content

  • 21 Feb 2025

On 20th February 2025, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued an advisory to online curated content publishers (OTT platforms) and their self-regulatory bodies, emphasizing strict adherence to India’s laws and ethical guidelines.

Key Points

  • Regulatory Action: The advisory follows concerns from MPs, statutory bodies, and public grievances about alleged obscene and vulgar content on OTT platforms.
  • Code of Ethics Compliance: The Ministry stressed adherence to the Information Technology Rules, 2021, particularly regarding age-based classification of content.
  • Self-Regulation Measures: OTT platforms' self-regulatory bodies were urged to take proactive action against violations of the Code of Ethics.
  • Legal Implications: The advisory highlighted laws such as the Indecent Representation of Women Act, BNS 2023, POCSO Act, and IT Act, which penalize the publication of obscene content.
  • Government Oversight: The Ministry reminded OTT platforms of their responsibility to comply with Indian legal frameworks and ensure responsible content dissemination.