Indian Government Issues Strict Advisory to OTT Platforms and Social Media Channels

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting directs platforms to adhere to IT Rules 2021, following public outcry over obscene content and a controversial YouTube episode.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has called on OTT platforms and social media channels to comply with the IT Rules 2021, emphasizing adherence to the Code of Ethics and age-based content classification.
The advisory was issued in response to complaints from parliamentarians, statutory bodies, and the public about the spread of obscene and vulgar content online.
The controversy was fueled by podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia's inappropriate remarks on a YouTube show, which led to FIRs, public backlash, and Supreme Court scrutiny.
The Supreme Court criticized the lack of regulation for platforms like YouTube, highlighting the need for stricter oversight and warning it would act if the government failed to address the issue.
The ministry has urged self-regulatory bodies of OTT platforms to proactively address violations and ensure compliance with laws such as the Indecent Representation of Women Act and POCSO Act.