I&B Ministry Orders Three OTT Platforms To Take Down Vulgar & Obscene Content

In a major development in regulating the content on the OTT platforms, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) has now taken a major step by invoking laws pertaining to vulgarityAccording to a report published in the IndianExpress.com, the I&B Ministry has ordered three OTT platforms to remove obscene and vulgar content failing which they are likely to face strict action. These OTT platforms are - Prime Play, Hunters and Besharams

The media reports suggested the content on these OTT platforms was found to be borderline pornographic prime facie. To note, notices were also issued in October regarding violation of the IT Rules, 2021, and other laws related to obscenity and vulgarity, including Sections 67 (publishing or transmitting obscene material) and 67A (publishing or transmitting of material containing sexually explicit act) of the IT Act, 2000.

Interestingly, this is the first time that these laws have been invoked against OTT platforms. On the other hand, it is reported that the OTT platforms have taken down the vulgar content and is currently reviewing all the content on the platforms.

Meanwhile, the government had also issued a warning to the OTT platforms early this year against the usage of abusive and vulgar language. Talking about the same, the Union minister of information and broadcasting Anurag Thakur that the use of abusive language in the name of creativity will not be tolerated. He emphasised the government is quite serious about the complaints it has received regarding the increase in abusive and obscene content on the OTT platforms and asserted that the platforms have to draw a line in this regard. "These platforms were given freedom for creativity, not obscenity. And when someone crosses a limit, then abusing, rudeness in the name of creativity cannot be accepted at all. Whatever necessary action needs to be taken on this, the government will not back down from doing so," Anurag Thakur was quoted saying during a press conference.