Reason for Advisory:
- Based on complaints from the general public, Members of Parliament (MPs), and statutory bodies.
- Cited concerns about “obscene and vulgar content” on OTT platforms.
Relevance : GS 2(Governance )
Ministry’s Directives:
- OTT platforms must enforce age-based classification as per the IT (Intermediary Liability and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
- Mandatory age-gating for mature content to prevent underage access.
- Streaming services must have a three-tier grievance redress mechanism:
- User complaint to platform
- Self-regulatory body
- Inter-departmental government committee
Context & Background:
- In December 2024, the I&B Ministry flagged shows allegedly glamorizing drug use.
- Supreme Court (SC) recently sought government action against obscene content on social media platforms.
Scope of Advisory:
- Targets online curated content platforms (e.g., Netflix, Amazon Prime).
- Excludes user-generated content platforms like YouTube.
Relevant Legal Framework:
- IT Rules, 2021: Allows mature content but requires proper classification.
- Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986: Restricts derogatory portrayal of women.
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023: Penalizes obscenity.
- POCSO Act: Safeguards children from exposure to inappropriate content.
- IT Act, 2000: Criminalizes publication of obscene material online.
Key Takeaway:
- OTT platforms are not banned from showing mature content but must ensure responsible access and compliance with legal norms.
