Amid 'India's Got Latent' Controversy, Government Advises OTT Platforms To Enforce Age-Based Content Classification

The government on Thursday (20 Ferbuary) issued a warning to social media platforms and OTT websites, instructing them to comply with the Code of Ethics under the IT Rules (2021), NDTV reported.

They have been asked to enforce self-regulation and implement "access control for 'A' rated content" to prevent children from accessing inappropriate content.

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry’s notification comes amid controversy over 'obscene' comments made by podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia on the stand-up comedy show India’s Got Latent.

The episode in question remained on YouTube until the government directed its removal.

According to the notification, complaints had been received regarding the "spread of obscene, pornographic, and vulgar content" by certain publishers of online curated content (OTT platforms) and social media.

The government emphasised that OTT platforms are legally required to "not transmit any content which is prohibited by law (and) undertake age-based classification of content".

"Further, the Rules provide that self-regulatory bodies of OTT platforms shall oversee and ensure alignment and adherence by the OTT platforms to the Code of Ethics," the notification said.

"In view of the above it is advised OTT platforms adhere to various provisions of applicable laws, and Code of Ethics prescribed under IT Rules, 2021 while publishing content on platforms, including stricter adherence of age-based classification of content prescribed under Code of Ethics," the notification said.

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