43 OTT platforms blocked for vulgar content, Vaishnaw tells Parliament

The Centre has blocked as many as 43 over-the-top (OTT) platforms for breaching content regulations, including the streaming of obscene, harmful, or culturally insensitive material, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. 

Responding to a starred question by MPs Kangna Ranaut and Smita Uday Wagh, the minister said the government had taken a series of steps since 2021 to rein in digital content and ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards.

In his written reply, Vaishnaw cited the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, as the primary framework for regulating OTT platforms. These rules, notified under the IT Act, 2000, mandate platforms to follow a Code of Ethics, classify content by age, and put in place safeguards to prevent children from accessing explicit material. They also bar the transmission of any content that is otherwise prohibited by Indian law.

Under the 2021 Rules, OTT platforms are expected to self-classify content based on age groups and install adequate parental control mechanisms. The general guidelines in the Rules specifically address depictions of nudity, sex, and violence — issues that have drawn frequent complaints from viewers and Members of Parliament alike.

Though the government has not revealed the names of the 43 platforms that were blocked, it clarified that the action followed consultation with relevant ministries. The move comes amid growing concern over the unchecked spread of adult or misleading content, especially that which may affect women and children.

An official advisory was issued on February 19, 2025, warning OTT platforms and their self-regulatory bodies to strictly adhere to Indian laws and the Code of Ethics under the IT Rules. The advisory served as a final reminder before the blocking action was taken.

While the minister did not disclose the number of public complaints received, the government acknowledged a surge in grievances over content perceived as obscene or harmful. Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act empowers authorities to notify intermediaries to take down or disable access to unlawful content.

In response to a query on whether the government planned to create a new regulatory authority for OTT content oversight, the reply did not provide a direct confirmation. However, it pointed to the existing three-tier redressal mechanism, suggesting the government is currently focused on strengthening these internal structures rather than setting up a separate body.