Mumbai: The government has taken a decisive step against the dissemination of obscene and vulgar content by blocking 18 OTT platforms this year, as disclosed by Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, L Murugan, during a session in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.
Addressing a query raised by Shiv Sena-UBT MP Anil Desai, Murugan highlighted the enforcement of the IT Rules, 2021, which impose strict due diligence obligations on intermediaries. These rules mandate that intermediaries make reasonable efforts to curb the display or spread of obscene, pornographic, or otherwise harmful content.
“The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has taken action in coordination with various intermediaries and blocked 18 OTT platforms on March 14, 2024, for publishing obscene, vulgar, and, in some instances, pornographic content under these provisions,” said Murugan.
The IT Rules, 2021, also incorporate a Code of Ethics that governs publishers of news, current affairs on digital media, and online curated content platforms (OTT). These provisions ensure that digital platforms adhere to guidelines such as the Norms of Journalistic Conduct issued by the Press Council of India and the Programme Code under the Cable Television Network Regulation Act, 1995.
Murugan elaborated that the IT Rules empower the central government to block content under Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000. This includes the authority to issue directives to intermediaries or agencies to restrict content that may harm the sovereignty and integrity of India, the defense of the nation, public order, or friendly relations with foreign states.
In response to a separate question, Murugan mentioned that digital news publishers, including YouTube channels such as Bolta Hindustan and National Dastak, also fall under the ambit of IT Rules, 2021. The rules mandate strict compliance with the government’s directives to block content, ensuring alignment with the larger interests of national security and public welfare.
The government’s move underscores its commitment to upholding ethical standards in the digital content ecosystem and addressing concerns over the proliferation of harmful material on online platforms.
