I&B Ministry Urges OTT Platforms to Implement Age-Based Content Regulations
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Synopsis
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has urged OTT platforms to comply with age-based content classification as per the Code of Ethics, following controversy related to Ranveer Allahbadia's actions.
Key Takeaways
- The I&B Ministry has issued a directive for age-based content classification.
- OTT platforms are required to follow the Code of Ethics under IT Rules, 2021.
- Proactive measures against violations of the Code are essential.
- The Supreme Court has raised concerns regarding online content regulation.
- Obscene content publication may lead to legal consequences.
New Delhi, Feb 20 (NationPress) Amid the controversy surrounding ‘India’s Got Latent’ involving Ranveer Allahbadia, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has urged OTT platforms to comply with the regulations for age-based content classification outlined in the Code of Ethics.
An advisory issued by Deputy Secretary Amarendra Singh instructed OTT platforms and their self-regulatory bodies to follow the applicable legal provisions and the Code of Ethics as per the IT Rules, 2021 when publishing content.
This advisory, released on Wednesday, also emphasized the need for self-regulatory bodies to proactively address any violations of the Code of Ethics by the platforms.
This development follows the Supreme Court's reprimand of Allahbadia for showcasing "perversion" and its call for better regulation and decency in the content found on YouTube channels and social media.
A bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice N. Kotiswar Singh has also issued a notice to the Union government regarding the need to tackle the regulatory "vacuum" in online content.
“We would like to do something. If the Government will willingly do it, we will be very happy,” the court remarked on Tuesday.
Allahbadia sparked nationwide outrage with his comments about parents and sex during a live-stream of the show, 'India’s Got Latent', on YouTube.
Previously, the I&B Ministry acknowledged receiving references from Members of Parliament, representations from statutory bodies, and public complaints regarding the alleged dissemination of obscene, pornographic, and vulgar content by certain online content publishers.
“In this context, it is noted that Part-Ill of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media, Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, includes a Code of Ethics for OTT platforms, along with a three-tier institutional mechanism for addressing grievances related to breaches of this Code,” stated the ministry.
The Code of Ethics stipulates that OTT platforms must not transmit content prohibited by law, implement age-based classification based on the general guidelines in the Rules, restrict access to 'A' rated content to prevent children from viewing it, and exercise due diligence and discretion.
The ministry also reminded OTT platforms and social media entities of the provisions within the Indecent Representation of Women Act, 1986, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, under which the publication of obscene or pornographic content is a punishable offense.
