43 OTT platforms blocked for obscene, insensitive content: Ashwini Vaishnaw

New Delhi, July 30: In a significant move to curb the circulation of obscene, violent, and culturally inappropriate content, the government has blocked access to 43 over-the-top (OTT) platforms, Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

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The action was taken under the provisions of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, notified on February 25, 2021, under the IT Act, 2000.

"Part-III of these Rules mandates a Code of Ethics for digital news publishers and OTT platforms. These platforms are required to refrain from transmitting any content prohibited under existing laws," Vaishnaw stated in a written reply.

He further highlighted that OTT platforms must adopt age-based self-classification of content, guided by the schedule in the IT Rules. These provisions specifically address the depiction of nudity, sex, and violence. Platforms are also required to implement robust access controls to prevent children from viewing age-inappropriate material.

Citing Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, 2000, the Minister said that governments are empowered to notify intermediaries to remove or disable access to unlawful content.

The government has also issued advisories to OTT platforms and their self-regulatory bodies, urging strict compliance with Indian laws and the ethical guidelines outlined in the IT Rules, 2021.

"Following due consultations with relevant ministries, a total of 43 OTT platforms have been blocked so far," Vaishnaw added.

As part of the crackdown on objectionable content, the government last week directed Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to disable public access to 25 OTT apps known for hosting sexually explicit material. Among the blocked platforms are popular names such as Ullu, ALTT, and Desiflix.

Other banned applications include Big Shots App, Boomex, Navarasa Lite, Gulab App, Kangan App, Bull App, Jalva App, Wow Entertainment, Look Entertainment, Hitprime, Feneo, ShowX, Sol Talkies, Adda TV, HotX VIP, Hulchul App, MoodX, NeonX VIP, Fugi, Mojflix, and Triflicks.