OTT New Guidelines: Finally, the Government Has Listened to Us and Issued New Guidelines

Finally, the hard work of the popular entertainment magazine Mayapuri has paid off. After several years of relentless efforts, the government has made a significant decision regarding the obscene and objectionable content being presented on OTT (Over-the-Top) platforms. They have now stated that OTT platforms will have to present content in a more responsible manner.

OTT New Guidelines: Govt Cracks Down on OTT Vulgarity After Public Outcry

For some time now, OTT platforms have been regularly broadcasting obscene and objectionable content. Recently, YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, comedian Samay Raina, and influencer Apoorva Makhija have been subjected to actions due to this issue. This led to an increasing number of complaints about the growing vulgarity and inappropriate content on OTT platforms. From the general public to members of Parliament and social organizations, there was a widespread demand for government action on this matter. The government has now listened to this demand.

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of India’s Guidelines

In this matter, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) of India has issued a new guideline for OTT platforms, directing them to strictly adhere to the IT Act 2021.

Under these new rules, OTT platforms must follow the directives laid out in the IT Rules 2021, which include strengthening the role of self-regulatory bodies and implementing a three-tier grievance redressal system.

The government has made it clear that OTT platforms must avoid the dissemination of any obscene, pornographic, or illegal content. They must ensure that their content is in compliance with the Indian Penal Code (IPC 2023), Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act), the Indecent Representation of Women Act, 1986, and the Information Technology Act, 2000.

Additionally, all OTT platforms must implement age-based classification to protect children and adolescents from inappropriate content. The government also stated that self-regulatory bodies for OTT platforms will be granted more authority to ensure that all platforms are complying with the new rules.

Action in Case of Non-Compliance

The government has clarified that any OTT platform that violates these guidelines will face legal action. They could face heavy fines, and if necessary, the government has the authority to block the concerned platform. Furthermore, if any platform’s content violates Indian laws, an FIR (First Information Report) can be filed against it.

The government has emphasized that this decision is not intended to impose censorship on OTT platforms but rather to hold them accountable.