The Centre has banned 18 OTT platforms under IT rules for hosting 'obscene and vulgar' content

The Centre Bans 18 OTT Platforms for Obscene Content Under IT Rules

In a significant move to uphold digital content regulations, the Central Government has banned 18 Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms for allegedly hosting "obscene and vulgar" content in violation of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. The crackdown, announced today, underscores the government's commitment to fostering responsible content dissemination in India's booming digital entertainment sector.

According to sources, the banned platforms were found to have repeatedly disregarded guidelines that prohibit the publication and distribution of explicit material deemed harmful to societal norms. Officials from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) stated that the action was taken following multiple complaints and an extensive review of the platforms' content libraries.

"This step ensures that digital media adheres to ethical standards and does not compromise the moral fabric of society," said a senior government official. "The platforms were given adequate warnings and time to comply with the rules, but non-compliance left us with no choice but to take stringent action."

Industry experts believe the move could serve as a wake-up call for content creators and streaming platforms to review their guidelines and ensure compliance with Indian laws. Meanwhile, critics argue that the decision raises questions about the balance between content regulation and freedom of expression in a democracy.

The banned platforms, many of which cater to niche audiences, are expected to appeal the decision. Legal experts anticipate a debate on defining "obscene and vulgar" within the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

As OTT consumption continues to rise across India, this development has sparked conversations about the need for clearer regulations and stronger accountability mechanisms to ensure a balance between creative freedom and social responsibility.