The Indian government has blocked 43 OTT platforms so far for streaming content that is obscene, adult, violent, or culturally insensitive. Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday that the platforms were taken down to ensure they follow Indian laws and ethical standards.
The action was taken under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, which were notified on February 25, 2021, under the IT Act, 2000.
“Part-III of the rules provides for a Code of Ethics for digital news publishers and publishers of online curated content (OTT platforms). OTT platforms are under obligation to not transmit any content which is prohibited by law for the time being in force,” Vaishnaw said in a written reply to Parliament.
He explained that OTT platforms are also expected to classify content based on age and follow guidelines related to the portrayal of nudity, sex, and violence.
“The OTT platforms are under obligation to put in place adequate safeguards for restricting age-inappropriate content for children with adequate access control measures,” he added.
The IT Act also allows the government to direct intermediaries to take down or restrict access to unlawful content. The government has also issued an advisory to OTT platforms and their self-regulatory bodies, asking them to ensure their content is in line with Indian laws and the Code of Ethics mentioned in the IT Rules.
Last week, the government instructed Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to block access to 25 OTT apps, including well-known platforms like Ullu, ALTT, and Desiflix, citing concerns over sexually explicit and culturally inappropriate material.
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The list of blocked platforms includes: Big Shots App, Boomex, Navarasa Lite, Gulab App, Kangan App, Bull App, Jalva App, Wow Entertainment, Look Entertainment, Hitprime, Feneo, ShowX, Sol Talkies, Adda TV, HotX VIP, Hulchul App, MoodX, NeonX VIP, Fugi, Mojflix, and Triflicks.
“After due consultation with relevant Ministries, 43 OTT platforms have been blocked so far,” Vaishnaw said.
The government’s recent actions reflect its increasing focus on regulating online content and making sure digital platforms operate within the framework of Indian laws.
