43 OTT Platforms Blocked For Objectionable Content: Centre (image: Glenn Carstens Peters/ Unsplash)
New Delhi: The Central government informed the Parliament that 43 Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms have been blocked for hosting objectionable content. This information was shared by Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting (MIB) Ashwini Vaishnaw in Lok Sabha on Wednesday (July 30), while responding to a starred question raised by BJP MPs Smita Wagh and Kangana Ranaut.
The Part-III of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media, Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 provides a Code of Ethics for digital news publishers and publishers of OTT platforms, the Government said.
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Besides, with the assistance of Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, 2000, appropriate Governments issue notifications regarding unlawful acts or content to the intermediaries for removing or disabling access to such content.
This February, the Central government issued an advisory to OTT platforms and their self-regulatory bodies, urging adherence to Indian Laws and the Code of Ethics under the IT Rules, 2021 when hosting content on their platforms.
“After due consultation with relevant Ministries, 43 OTT platforms have been blocked so far,” Minister informed the Parliament.
Recently, on July 23, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) blocked at least 25 platforms for running obscene content. This resulted in blocking the contents of 26 websites and 14 mobile applications, wherein nine apps removed from the Google Play Store and five from the Apple App Store.
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These platforms includen MoodX, Triflicks, Ullu, Navarasa Lite, Big Shots App, Desiflix, Boomex, and NeonX VIP, among others.
On February 19, the Central government has issued an advisory to the OTT platforms to follow the Code of Ethics prescribed under IT Rules, 2021, and laws related to obscenity in India. In September last year, all the 25 platforms were warned, however, they reportedly continued to publish obscene content.
