As per the Information Technology (IT) Rules, OTT services are barred from distributing restricted content and must implement age-based classification for their programming. The rules also mandate that self-regulatory bodies overseeing these platforms ensure compliance with the guidelines.
The advisory underscored that the publication of obscene or pornographic content is a punishable offence under several laws, including the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and the Information Technology Act.
OTT platforms have been reminded to strictly adhere to the Code of Ethics laid out in the IT Rules to promote responsible content dissemination.
YouTube controversy fuels debate on online content regulation
The advisory comes in the wake of a high-profile controversy involving popular YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, who has sparked public outrage and a police investigation over allegedly obscene remarks made during a comedy show on YouTube.
The controversy erupted last week when Allahbadia made a comment about a participant’s parents during an episode of India’s Got Latent, a show hosted by comedian Samay Raina.
The remark was met with widespread criticism from social media users, public figures, and lawmakers, leading to multiple police complaints against both Allahbadia and Raina. The issue was even raised in Parliament, prompting calls for stricter regulations on digital content.
Allahbadia has since apologised, while Raina removed all episodes of the show from his channel, stating that he was “fully cooperating” with authorities.
Supreme Court grants Ranveer Allahbadia protection from arrest
On Tuesday, India’s Supreme Court granted Allahbadia protection from arrest but criticised his actions, calling them “condemnable” and showing a “lack of responsibility.”
“There is something that is dirty in his mind that has been vomited by way of this program,” the judge remarked during the hearing.
As part of the court’s directives, Allahbadia was ordered to surrender his passport and was barred from leaving the country.
The case has reignited debates over online content regulation, with a parliamentary panel urging the Information Technology Ministry to amend existing laws to curb such content.
Some lawmakers have also pushed for legislation to regulate social media platforms, raising concerns that the government may use the controversy as a pretext to impose stricter controls on digital expression.
ALSO READ: India’s Got Latent row: Ranveer Allahbadia safe from arrests for now
(Edited by : Ajay Vaishnav)
First Published: Feb 20, 2025 3:56 PM IST
