NCW Appeals to Ashwini Vaishnaw for Action Against Obscene OTT Content
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On February 10, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has reached out to Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, urging for strict regulations to minimize obscene content on OTT platforms and social media. This move follows recent NHRC directives to YouTube regarding inappropriate content, highlighting the need for swift action to protect women and children.
Key Takeaways
- NCW demands regulatory measures against obscene content.
- Concern over accessibility of harmful content to all age groups.
- NHRC's directive to YouTube regarding vulgar content.
- Legal violations highlighted in NCW's letter.
- Call for strict guidelines and robust content moderation.
New Delhi, Feb 10 (NationPress) The National Commission for Women (NCW) has addressed a letter to Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, requesting regulatory measures to combat the availability of obscene content on various Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms and social media streaming services, as confirmed by an official on Monday.
In her correspondence, NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar expressed concern that obscene content is easily accessible to individuals across all age groups, thereby heightening the risk of adverse societal effects, especially on women and children.
This request follows the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)'s directive to the social media platform YouTube, urging them to remove “obscene and vulgar” content, stemming from comments made by podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia on the controversial series ‘India's Got Latent’.
NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo demanded an Action Taken Report within three days, addressing the Head of Public Policy at YouTube, Mira Chatt, stating that the questionable content seemingly violates numerous legal provisions under the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the Information Technology (IT) Act, and other relevant laws.
In her message, the NCW Chairperson underscored the breach of several legal regulations, including the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and the Information Technology (IT) Act, among others.
Such content not only reinforces damaging stereotypes but also represents a direct threat to the safety and dignity of women and children, she emphasized.
The NCW has called upon the Ministry to take immediate action by establishing strict guidelines that prevent these platforms from broadcasting or permitting users to upload inappropriate or obscene content.
The Commission urged the authorities to implement robust censorship and content moderation systems to safeguard the public from exposure to harmful materials.
Additionally, the Commission has requested that the Ministry promptly communicate the actions taken to the NCW to facilitate a swift follow-up on this issue.
NCW Chairperson reiterated that safeguarding the safety, dignity, and welfare of women is of utmost importance and should be prioritized across all digital platforms.
