New Delhi: The Central government on Thursday asked social media channels and OTT platforms to strictly follow the Code of Ethics prescribed in the Information Technology Rules, 2021, and ensure critical self-regulation.
The advisory from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting comes amid the row over podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia’s “watch parents have sex” comment during comedian Samay Raina’s show ‘India’s Got Latent’.
The government has also asked the platforms to implement “access control for ‘A’-rated content” and age-based content classification so that children can’t consume adult content.
Platforms have been urged to exercise caution and discretion while selecting content.
The government also stressed on the importance of self-regulatory bodies ensuring compliance, as they are responsible for overseeing OTT platforms and ensuring adherence to the Code of Ethics.
“Self-regulatory bodies of OTT platforms are encouraged to take appropriate proactive action in case of any violations by the platforms,” the advisory stated.
It further emphasised on legal provisions that prohibit showing obscene or pornographic content, citing laws like Indecent Representation of Women Act, 1986, Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), 2023, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and the IT Act, 2000.
Violating these laws will lead to potential legal consequences, the Centre warned.
