The government has blocked 18 OTT platforms for publishing obscene, obscene content

New Delhi: The government has banned 18 OTT platforms this year for publishing obscene and obscene content, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L Murugan said in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. In response to a question by Shiv Sena-UBT member Anil Desai, Murugan said the IT Rules, 2021 have placed special due diligence obligations on intermediaries to make reasonable efforts themselves against displaying or disseminating obscene or pornographic content.

The rules also provide for a code of conduct for publishers of news and current affairs and online curated content (OTT platforms) in digital media.

“The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has taken action in coordination with various intermediaries, and on March 14, 2024, banned 18 OTT platforms under these provisions for publishing obscene, indecent, and in some cases, obscene content,” Murugan said.

In response to a separate question, Murugan said the code of conduct for digital news publishers requires such publishers to adhere to the Press Council of India’s ‘Code of Conduct in Journalism’, Cable Television (Network Regulation Act, 1995).

In response to another question, Murugan said publishers of news and current affairs in digital media, including YouTube news channel Bolta Hindustan and National Dastak, are covered under the provisions of IT Rules, 2021, Part-III of which Part-III provides for issuing directions to block. Content covered under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act, 2000).

He said the rules empower the central government to issue directions to any government agency or intermediary to block material in the interest of sovereignty and integrity of India, defense of India, security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states or public order or public order. to prevent the commission of any cognizable offense relating to such matters.