New Delhi: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has issued an advisory to Online Curated Content Publishers (OTT platforms) and their self-regulatory bodies, emphasizing strict adherence to Indian laws and the Code of Ethics under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
The advisory follows concerns raised by Members of Parliament, statutory organizations, and public grievances regarding the alleged spread of obscene, pornographic and vulgar content on OTT platforms and social media.
The ministry has reiterated that Part III of the IT Rules, 2021, lays down a comprehensive Code of Ethics for OTT platforms. This includes prohibiting the transmission of content that is unlawful, implementing an age-based classification system as per the guidelines in the Rules’ Schedule, and enforcing access control mechanisms for ‘A’ rated content to prevent minors from viewing such material.
Additionally, OTT platforms are required to exercise due caution and discretion in their content dissemination.
The advisory also calls upon the self-regulatory bodies of OTT platforms to ensure that the platforms under their purview comply with these regulations. The self-regulatory bodies have been entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the adherence to the Code of Ethics and taking proactive measures against violations.
Further, the MIB has reminded content publishers of their obligations under various legal frameworks, including the Indecent Representation of Women Act, 1986, the newly enacted Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), 2023, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000. Under these laws, the publication of obscene or pornographic content is a punishable offence.
In light of these concerns, the ministry has advised all OTT platforms to comply strictly with applicable laws and the IT Rules, 2021. It has particularly stressed the need for stricter adherence to the age-based classification of content prescribed under the Code of Ethics.
Additionally, self-regulatory bodies have been urged to take proactive measures to curb violations and ensure that platforms maintain compliance.
The ministry’s move underscores the government’s ongoing efforts to regulate digital content while balancing creative freedom with responsible content dissemination.
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