I&B Ministry blocks 18 OTT platforms: No obscene content on OTT

The I&B Ministry has taken a decisive step in collaboration with various intermediaries, cracking down on 18 OTT platforms.

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) has taken a decisive step in collaboration with various intermediaries, cracking down on 18 OTT platforms accused of disseminating obscene, vulgar, and pornographic content. This action comes in response to growing concerns about the proliferation of inappropriate material on digital platforms. As part of this crackdown, 19 websites, 10 apps (7 on Google Play Store, 3 on Apple App Store), and 57 associated social media accounts have been blocked for public access in India.

Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting Anurag Singh Thakur, has consistently stressed the responsibility of digital platforms to refrain from promoting obscenity and vulgarity under the pretext of creative expression. On March 12, 2024, Thakur announced the takedown of 18 OTT platforms involved in disseminating objectionable content.

This recent decision was executed under the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000, in consultation with various Ministries/Departments of the Government of India, and domain experts specialising in media and entertainment, women's rights, and child rights.

The content hosted on these platforms was found to be offensive, demeaning towards women, and in violation of several legal statutes including Section 67 and 67A of the IT Act, Section 292 of the IPC, and Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.

Among the concerning findings, a significant portion of the content depicted nudity, sexual acts, and other explicit material presented in inappropriate contexts, such as relationships between teachers and students, or within incestuous family dynamics. These platforms were found to be distributing content laden with sexual innuendos and gratuitous scenes devoid of any thematic or societal relevance.

Furthermore, the extensive viewership of these platforms was notable, with one app amassing over 1 crore downloads, and two others exceeding 50 lakh downloads on the Google Play Store. Additionally, these OTT platforms aggressively utilized social media platforms to attract audiences, with a cumulative followership of over 32 lakh users across their associated accounts.

The Ministry of I&B has been actively engaged in sensitization efforts with OTT platforms and their self-regulatory bodies established under the IT Rules, 2021. These efforts include regular meetings, webinars, workshops, and other collaborative initiatives aimed at promoting responsible content dissemination.

While the Government of India remains committed to supporting the growth and development of the OTT industry, it underscores the importance of upholding moral and legal standards in content creation and distribution. This recent crackdown reflects the government's commitment to maintaining a safe and regulated digital environment while fostering innovation and creativity in the media and entertainment sector.