The government has blocked 18 OTT platforms this year for publishing obscene and vulgar content, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan informed the Lok Sabha.
Responding to a question from Shiv Sena-UBT member Anil Desai, Murugan stated that the IT Rules, 2021, impose clear due diligence obligations on intermediaries, requiring them to take reasonable steps to prevent the display or dissemination of obscene or pornographic content.
The Rules outline a comprehensive Code of Ethics for publishers of news and current affairs on digital media and publishers of online curated content (OTT platforms).
Murugan said, “The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has taken action in coordination with various intermediaries, and blocked 18 OTT platforms on 14th March, 2024 for publishing obscene, vulgar, and, in some instances, pornographic content under these provisions.”
Murugan, in response to a separate query, clarified that the Code of Ethics for digital news publishers requires compliance with the ‘Norms of Journalistic Conduct’ set by the Press Council of India and the Programme Code outlined in the Cable Television Network (Regulation) Act, 1995.
In response to another question, Murugan clarified that the publishers of news and current affairs on digital media, including YouTube channels like Bolta Hindustan and National Dastak, fall under the purview of the IT Rules, 2021. Part III of these rules allows for issuing directions to block content under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
He stated that the rules also grant the central government the authority to direct any government agency or intermediary to block content in order to protect India’s sovereignty and integrity, safeguard national defense, ensure state security, maintain friendly relations with foreign nations, uphold public order, or prevent the incitement of any cognizable offense related to these matters.
