Govt Clamps Down On 18 Streaming Platforms Over Obscene And Vulgar Content

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) has blocked 18 over-the-top (OTT) platforms, including Uncut Adda, Dreams Films and Prime Play among others, for publishing obscene, vulgar and in some instances pornographic content, after multiple warnings.

The list, which also includes 10 apps, 19 websites and 57 social media accounts associated with these platforms have been disabled for public access in India.

“The recent decision was taken under the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000 in consultation with other ministries/departments of the Government of India, and domain experts specialising in media and entertainment, women’s rights, and child rights,” the ministry said in a statement.

The content was banned for being prima facie in violation of Section 67 and 67A of the IT Act, Section 292 of the IPC, and Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.

Notably, one of the banned apps have 1 Cr downloads, while two others have over 50 Lakh downloads as per the Google Play Store data. These platforms extensively utilised social media to disseminate trailers, specific scenes, and external links aimed at attracting audiences to their websites and apps.

The social media platforms of the concerned OTT platforms had a cumulative followership of over 32 Lakh users.

“The government of India remains committed to fostering the growth and development of the OTT industry. Several measures have been undertaken in this regard, including the introduction of the Inaugural OTT Award for Web Series at the 54th International Film Festival of India, collaboration with OTT platforms in the media and entertainment sector, and the establishment of a light touch regulatory framework with an emphasis on self-regulation under the IT Rules, 2021,” the government said. 

Last year, the government was reported to have told Netflix, Disney and other OTT platforms to get their content reviewed independently for obscenity and violence before being shown online. According to media reports, the proposal was made during a meeting on June 20 at the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.

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