Taking stringent action for not paying heed to the government’s regulations and guidelines regarding online content, the Information & Broadcasting Ministry initiated a crackdown on digital platforms hosting obscene content. The ministry has blocked 18 Over-The-Top or OTT platforms, 19 websites, 10 mobile applications, and 57 social media handles to address the proliferation of inappropriate material online.
Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur’s warnings to adhere to content guidelines signal the seriousness of the issue. The violation of established laws such as the Information Technology Act, the Indian Penal Code, and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act prompted the decisive action.
The content found on these platforms, which included nudity, sexual acts, and demeaning portrayals of women, was deemed to be in clear violation of legal statutes. Additionally, the depiction of taboo relationships and explicit sexual content devoid of societal relevance further led to the intervention.
The widespread viewership and popularity of these platforms, as evidenced by their download numbers and social media followership, highlight the significance of the government’s actions. By utilising extensive social media promotion and attracting millions of users, these platforms were able to disseminate objectionable content to a wide audience, necessitating regulatory measures.
Overall, the crackdown highlights the government’s commitment to upholding standards of decency and ensuring that digital platforms operate within the bounds of the law, protecting users from harmful and inappropriate content.
