The Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has advised online curated content publishers (OTT platforms) and their self-regulatory bodies to implement age-based content classification strictly to curb the spread of obscene and vulgar content.
This advisory follows the ‘India’s Got Latent’ controversy, which arose from comments made by YouTuber Ranveer Allahabadia that sparked significant outrage. It emphasises the need to comply with Indian laws, mandates age-based content classification, and calls for stricter oversight by self-regulatory bodies following the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
According to the advisory, OTT platforms are required to comply with the Code of Ethics, ensure content classification, restrict content based on age, and prevent the transmission of prohibited content.
The government has reiterated the applicability of various laws, including the Indecent Representation of Women Act (1986), Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), 2023, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2020. Any obscene or vulgar material publication is a punishable offence under these statutes.
“In view of the above, it is advised that the OTT platforms adhere to the various provisions of applicable laws, and the Code of Ethics prescribed under IT Rules, 2021 while publishing content on their platforms, including stricter adherence to the age-based classification prescribed under the Code of Ethics,” says the advisory.
The Supreme Court asked the Center to consider regulating ‘obscene content’ on YouTube and other social media platforms. The Court observed that a “vacuum and barren area” exists on the platforms that must be regulated.
“If the government is willing to do something, we are happy; otherwise, we will not leave this vacuum and barren area the way so-called YouTube channels are misusing it, and all these things are going on,” the Court remarked.
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