Entertainment Desk, 14th March: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has taken decisive action, blocking 18 Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms across the nation due to their dissemination of obscene and vulgar content, despite prior warnings. This comprehensive ban extends to 19 websites, 10 applications, and 57 social media handles associated with these platforms, as confirmed by government sources. The decision is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to regulate online content and safeguard viewers from objectionable material.
In a coordinated effort, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) has enforced a nationwide ban on 18 OTT platforms found to be publishing content in violation of the IT Act, Indian Penal Code, and Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act. Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, reiterated the platforms’ responsibility to refrain from promoting obscenity and abuse under the pretext of creative expression. The ban, announced by Thakur on March 12, underscores the government’s commitment to upholding moral standards in media and entertainment.
The recent decision to block these platforms was made in accordance with provisions outlined in the Information Technology Act, 2000, following consultations with various governmental departments and domain experts. A thorough review revealed a significant portion of the content hosted on these platforms to be obscene, vulgar, and derogatory towards women. Instances of nudity, sexual acts, and inappropriate thematic contexts, including relationships deemed taboo, were observed. The content’s explicit nature warranted its classification as prima facie violations of pertinent legal statutes.
Efforts to regulate online content reflect the government’s commitment to enforcing existing laws and safeguarding societal values. By collaborating with intermediaries and domain experts, authorities aim to create a safer online environment for all users, especially vulnerable populations like women and children. The decisive action against these OTT platforms underscores the importance of upholding moral and legal standards in the digital realm.
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