18 OTT Platforms Blocked For Publishing Obscene, Vulgar Content: Government Tells Parliament

The government on Wednesday (18 December) informed the Parliament that 18 platforms have been blocked for publishing obscene and vulgar content.

In a reply to a question by Shiv Sena-UBT member Anil Desai, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L Murugan said the IT Rules of 2021 cast specific due diligence obligations on intermediaries to make reasonable efforts by themselves against displaying or spreading obscene or pornographic content.

The Rules also provide for a Code of Ethics for publishers of news and current affairs on digital media and publishers of online curated content (OTT platforms).

"Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has taken action in coordination with various intermediaries, and blocked 18 OTT platforms on 14th March, 2024 for publishing obscene, vulgar, and, in some instances, pornographic content under these provisions," he said.

In a reply to a separate question, the minister said that the Code of Ethics for digital news publishers requires such publishers ( i.e. publishers of news and current affairs on digital media and publishers of online curated content (OTT platforms) ) to adhere to the ‘Norms of Journalistic Conduct’ of the Press Council of India, The Programme Code under the Cable Television (Network Regulation Act, 1995).

He added that the IT Rules, 2021 also cast an obligation on the social media intermediaries to appoint a grievance officer to look into complaints relating to violation of the Rules.

Additionally, the Significant Social Media Intermediaries are also required to appoint a Chief Compliance Officers for ensuring compliance with the Act and rules made thereunder, he said.

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