Govt Blocks 18 OTT Platforms for Obscene and Vulgar Content: I&B Minister L Murugan
The Indian government has blocked 18 OTT platforms in 2024 for publishing obscene and vulgar content. Minister L Murugan cites violations of IT Rules 2021 during a Lok Sabha session.
The Indian government has blocked 18 Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms in 2024 for publishing content deemed obscene, vulgar, or pornographic, according to Information and Broadcasting Minister L Murugan. Speaking during the Question Hour in the Lok Sabha on December 18, Murugan highlighted the role of the Information Technology (IT) Rules 2021 in regulating digital platforms and ensuring adherence to content standards.
“The IT Rules cast specific due diligence obligations on intermediaries to prevent the display or spread of obscene or pornographic content,” the minister said, as per a PTI report. In coordination with intermediaries, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting blocked these platforms on March 14, 2024, citing violations of these provisions. The query was raised by Shiv Sena-UBT MP Anil Desai.
Murugan also emphasized the Code of Ethics under the IT Rules, which applies to publishers of news, current affairs, and online curated content on digital platforms. This code mandates compliance with the Norms of Journalistic Conduct by the Press Council of India and the Programme Code under the Cable Television (Network Regulation) Act, 1995.
Addressing questions about digital news publishers, including YouTube channels such as Bolta Hindustan and National Dastak, Murugan noted that these platforms also fall under the IT Rules, 2021. Specifically, Part III of these rules governs the blocking of content under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
The rules empower the government to block content in the interests of India’s sovereignty, integrity, defense, security, public order, or to prevent incitement to any cognizable offense related to these concerns. “The ministry has taken necessary steps to ensure adherence to these guidelines,” Murugan stated.
This decisive action by the government highlights the increasing scrutiny on digital platforms and the emphasis on regulating content for public safety and adherence to ethical standards.
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