New Delhi, Feb 20: The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) has released an advisory to OTT platforms and self-regulatory organizations, stressing the need for strict adherence to Indian laws and the Code of Ethics outlined in the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. The guidance comes after worries expressed by Parliament members, regulatory bodies, and the public about the availability of obscene, vulgar, and pornographic material on online platforms.
The ministry has instructed OTT platforms to rigorously adhere to content classification regulations, establish parental controls for content rated for adults, and enforce access restrictions to stop minors from seeing unsuitable material. Platforms are required to refrain from sharing content that is illegal and should be careful when portraying sensitive subjects to avoid any violations.
The advisory further encourages self-regulatory organizations to actively monitor adherence to the Code of Ethics. It references legal regulations, such as the Indecent Representation of Women Act, 1986, the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), 2023, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and the Information Technology Act, 2000, that ban the dissemination of obscene, pornographic, or sexually explicit materials.
OTT platforms and self-regulatory organizations have been urged to implement prompt corrective actions to achieve compliance; otherwise, additional measures may be pursued under applicable legal provisions.
