The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) has issued an advisory to Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms, directing them to strictly adhere to Indian laws and the Code of Ethics prescribed under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
In the advisory, the ministry emphasized the importance of age-based content classification and urged platforms to ensure compliance while publishing content.
“It is advised that the OTT platforms adhere to the various provisions of applicable laws, and the Code of Ethics prescribed under IT Rules, 2021 while publishing content on their platforms, including stricter adherence of the age-based classification of content prescribed under the Code of Ethics,” the ministry stated.
Additionally, the Self-Regulatory Bodies (SRBs) of OTT platforms have been asked to take proactive measures against violations of the Code of Ethics by any platform.
The move comes amid growing concerns over objectionable and inappropriate content on streaming services. The government has reiterated that OTT platforms must ensure responsible content regulation and comply with the existing digital media guidelines.