Govt Bans 18 OTT Platforms, Cites Obscene Content

In an extensive regulatory measure, the Indian Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) has blocked 18 Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms along with 19 websites, 10 mobile applications, and 57 social media accounts. The action has been taken under the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, and the decision comes after content on these platforms was found to be in violation of specific provisions of the IT Act, Section 292 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986. The content was characterized as obscene, vulgar, pornographic, and was deemed to portray women in a demeaning manner.

The blocked entities include notable names such as Dreams Films, Voovi, Yessma, and others. The decision to ban these platforms and their associated online presences was made following consultations with other government departments and domain experts who specialize in various fields including media, entertainment, women's rights, and child rights. The cumulative following of the social media accounts associated with these platforms exceeded 3.2 million users.

The Indian government's crackdown reflects a commitment to fostering a responsible OTT industry and ensuring digital content adheres to the country's legal standards of decency and morality. Union Information Minister Anurag Thakur had previously issued warnings, signaling the government's intention to regulate online content and prevent the spread of material considered obscene. This recent enforcement action aligns with the government's broader effort to protect viewers from inappropriate content in the digital space.