L. Murugan, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, announced in the Lok Sabha that the government has blocked 18 Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms for publishing obscene and vulgar material this year. The action was taken on March 14, 2024, under the provisions of the Information Technology (IT) Rules, 2021, which emphasise due diligence by intermediaries to prevent the dissemination of pornographic content.

IT Rules 2021: Strengthening oversight on digital platforms

Responding to a query raised by Anil Desai, a Shiv Sena-UBT member, Murugan highlighted that the IT Rules, 2021, impose specific responsibilities on intermediaries. These include making reasonable efforts to monitor and restrict the display or spread of explicit content. The rules also outline a Code of Ethics for digital media publishers, covering news and current affairs and online curated content (OTT platforms).

Action taken against non-compliant OTT platforms

Murugan stated that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, in collaboration with intermediaries, acted decisively to block these platforms. The content published by these platforms was deemed obscene, vulgar, and, in some cases, pornographic, violating the IT Rules.

Code of Ethics

In response to a separate question, Murugan elaborated that digital news publishers are required to adhere to the 'Norms of Journalistic Conduct' set by the Press Council of India. Additionally, they must comply with the Programme Code under the Cable Television Network Regulation Act, 1995.

Blocking content under IT Act, 2000

Replying to another query, Murugan noted that digital news publishers, including YouTube channels like Bolta Hindustan and National Dastak, fall under the ambit of the IT Rules, 2021. Part III of these rules permits the issuance of directives for blocking content under Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000. The central government is empowered to instruct intermediaries or agencies to block content that threatens India's sovereignty, integrity, defence, security, or friendly foreign relations. Content that could incite cognizable offences in these domains can also be restricted under this framework.