Centre disables 50 OTT platforms for obscenity, cites IT Act violations

The Union government has disabled 50 over-the-top (OTT) platforms over the past two years for hosting obscene content and violating multiple legal provisions, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha.

In a written reply to a question from MP Sambit Patra, Vaishnaw said the action was taken under Section 67 and 67A of the Information Technology Act, 2000; Section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS); and Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.

Separately, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan told the Lok Sabha that the government has notified the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 to create an institutional mechanism for digital news publishers and OTT platforms. He noted that Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act empowers the government to direct intermediaries to remove or disable access to unlawful content.

Vaishnaw also detailed the broader legal framework for online safety. Recent amendments to the IT Rules require social media platforms and intermediaries to remove unlawful content within three hours of receiving a court order or a reasoned government notification. The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 provides a legal basis for regulating digital data processing and protecting children’s privacy. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2023 aims to address digital addiction and financial harm among youth.

Citing the Economic Survey 2025-26, Vaishnaw described digital addiction as a serious public health challenge affecting India’s children and youth, especially those aged 15–29.

To improve cyber hygiene and security, the government is implementing the Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA) project. So far, 6,650 workshops have been conducted nationwide, covering over 11.37 lakh participants. The ministry has also published multilingual handbooks, short videos, posters, brochures, and cartoon stories for children.

The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) regularly shares safety tips, awareness posters, infographics, and videos on its websites and social media to sensitise internet users about cyber security risks, including online safety for children.

In July 2020, the Ministry of Education issued the PRAGYATA Guidelines on Digital Education, which provide a framework for safe and effective online learning, including promoting student well-being and responsible use of social media and electronic devices. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) have also developed and disseminated resource materials.