Thu Feb 20 10:44:42 UTC 2025: ## Indian Government Warns OTT Platforms Over Vulgar Content
**New Delhi, February 20, 2025** – The Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) has issued a stern warning to over-the-top (OTT) platforms and their self-regulatory bodies regarding the proliferation of vulgar and obscene content. Following complaints from Members of Parliament, statutory organizations, and the public, the ministry issued an advisory demanding stricter adherence to the Code of Ethics outlined in the IT Rules 2021.
The advisory emphasizes the need for OTT platforms to comply with all applicable laws and to implement age-based content classification rigorously. It specifically cites the need to prevent the transmission of any content prohibited by law and to employ robust access controls for adult content to protect children.
This action comes amidst a broader debate on social media content regulation, following recent Supreme Court concerns about a lack of legal framework governing online content. The I&B ministry’s directive highlights the government’s intention to crack down on inappropriate content on streaming services, mirroring similar concerns about the spread of such material on social media platforms. The advisory urges proactive measures from self-regulatory bodies to address violations of the Code of Ethics.
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