Govt. blocks 18 OTT platforms for streaming obscene content

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Last Updated16/03/2024

The Information & Broadcasting Ministry has blocked 18 OTT platforms for streaming obscene and vulgar content.
Nineteen websites, 10 apps, and 57 social media handles associated with these platforms have also been blocked.

The action has been taken in coordination with various intermediaries for violations of the Information Technology Act, the Indian Penal Code, and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act.
While seven of the blocked apps were hosted on Google Play Store, three were on Apple App Store, the Ministry said.
Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting has repeatedly emphasised the responsibility of the platforms to not propagate obscenity, vulgarity, and abuse under the guise of ‘creative expression’.
The Ministry said a significant portion of the content was found to be obscene and portrayed women in a demeaning manner.

No platform can allow harmful unapproved online games and their advertisements.
They should not share false information about the Indian government, as confirmed by a fact-checking unit.
Platforms providing online gaming will have to register with a Self-Regulatory Body (SRB) that will determine whether or not the game is "permissible.
if any piece of information is marked as fake by the upcoming fact check unit,
- Intermediaries will be required to take it down, failing which they would risk losing their safe harbor, which protects them from litigation against third-party content.