Sat Dec 07 07:52:39 UTC 2024: ## 73 Complaints Filed Against Obscene TV Ads in India Over Three Years: Minister

**New Delhi, December 7, 2024** – The Indian government has revealed that 73 complaints were filed against obscene and vulgar advertisements on private television channels over the past three years. Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, L. Murugan, made the announcement in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.

Mr. Murugan stated that a three-tiered grievance redressal system, established under the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, effectively addressed these complaints. This system involves self-regulation by broadcasters, self-regulation by their self-regulating bodies, and government oversight. The Minister confirmed that actions taken against violations of the Advertising Code include advisories, warnings, “apology scroll” orders, and removal from air.

Regarding Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms, Mr. Murugan clarified that they are bound by the Code of Ethics outlined in the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. These self-regulatory codes prohibit content illegal under Indian law and mandate age-based content classification into five categories, considering both historical context and contemporary societal standards. The Minister emphasized that OTT platforms must implement safeguards to restrict age-inappropriate content from children.

Read More