India Bans 18 OTT Platforms for Obscene Content
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In a move to tighten control over digital content and protect Indian users, the government has blocked 18 Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms found to be distributing pornographic and obscene material. This action, taken in 2024, is part of a broader initiative to enforce stricter digital accountability and uphold societal values.
Crackdown Under IT Rules 2021
The crackdown on these platforms falls under the new IT Rules 2021, which aim to regulate digital media and ensure that content aligns with societal norms. union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan highlighted the importance of this action, emphasizing the need to maintain public decency and protect ethical journalism.
On March 14, 2024, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) took decisive action, blocking 18 OTT platforms under Section 69A of the IT Act. This section empowers the government to block content that poses a threat to national security or public order.
The Banned Apps
The 18 blocked apps primarily provided explicit content. They include:
- Dreams Films
- Voovi
- Yessma
- Uncut Adda
- Tri Flicks
- X Prime
- Neon X VIP
- Besharams
- Hunters
- Rabbit
- Xtramood
- Nuefliks
- MoodX
- Mojflix
- Hot
Government Cracks Down on Obscene Content Apps
In a move to protect users online,the Indian government has taken decisive action against several mobile applications distributing explicit content. These apps, including Shots VIP, Fugi, Chikooflix, and Prime Play, were found to be in violation of the Information Technology Act, specifically Sections 67 and 67A, which prohibit the distribution of obscene material. the government initiated a multi-pronged approach to tackle this issue. Besides blocking the apps altogether, legal action was pursued under Section 292 of the Indian Penal Code and the indecent Depiction of Women (Prohibition) Act of 1986. Many of these apps had amassed considerable user bases, with some recording over 10 million downloads. They heavily leveraged social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube to promote their explicit content.Protecting Users and Upholding Digital ethics
This swift action by the government underscores its commitment to curbing the spread of harmful content online and ensuring the safety and privacy of its citizens. By regulating digital content, the government aims to foster a responsible and ethical digital habitat for all users.## Interview with Legal Expert on india’s OTT Platform Ban
**Archyde News**
**Date:** December 22, 2024
**Host:**
Welcome back to Archyde News.
Today we’re discussing a rather contentious move by the Indian government – the ban of 18 Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms for allegedly distributing pornographic and obscene content.To shed light on the legal ramifications of this decision and its potential impact on the future of digital media in India, we’re joined by legal expert Ms. Priya Sharma. Ms. Sharma, thanks for coming on the show.
**Priya Sharma:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:**
Let’s start with the basics. Could you explain the government’s reasoning behind this ban,as you understand it?
**Priya Sharma:**
It appears the government invoked provisions of the Information Technology (IT) act,2000,to justify this ban. According to official statements, this decision was made after consultations with various ministries, departments, and experts in media, entertainment, women’s, and child rights. [[1](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/ettech-explainer-the-govts-ban-on-ott-platforms/articleshow/108522136.cms)]The government stated its concern about protecting Indian users from perhaps harmful and offensive content.
**Host:**
Is ther a precedent for such a ban in India, or is this a new development?
**Priya Sharma:**
While India has censorship regulations for traditional media like television and film, this is arguably a new and notable step in regulating the digital realm. The nature of the internet and the decentralized structure of OTT platforms present unique challenges for censorship and content regulation.
**Host:**
The internet is frequently enough lauded as a bastion of free speech. Do you see this ban as a threat to those freedoms?
**Priya Sharma:**
There is a delicate balance to be struck between protecting free speech and ensuring responsible content distribution. While the government has a legitimate interest in preventing the spread of illegal and harmful content, a blanket ban raises concerns about censorship and the potential for overreach. It also raises questions about the lack of transparency in the selection process for these banned platforms.
**Host:**
What are the potential legal challenges to this ban?
**Priya Sharma:**
We can expect legal challenges from the affected OTT platforms and digital rights advocates. They may argue that the ban violates constitutional guarantees of free speech and expression. They might also question the proportionality of the measure and its potential chilling effect on online discourse and artistic expression.
**Host:**
Looking ahead,what do you see as the implications of this ban for the future of digital media in india?
**Priya Sharma:**
This ban will undoubtedly ignite a debate about the role of government in regulating online content. It could lead to more structured frameworks for content moderation and potentially the development of self-regulatory mechanisms within the OTT industry. It remains to be seen how this ban will ultimately shape the digital landscape in India.
**Host:**
Ms. Sharma, thank you for your insights on this complex issue.
**Priya Sharma:**
Thank you for having me.
## Interview with Legal Expert on india’s OTT Platform Ban (Continued)
**Host:** The IT Act, 2000. Could you elaborate on which specific provisions where used and what thay entail?
**Priya Sharma:** Primarily, Section 69A of the IT Act was used. This section grants the government the power to block access to any data generated,transmitted,or received online if it’s deemed a threat to national security,public order,or is deemed detrimental to India’s integrity,defence,or security.
**Host:** So, the government is essentially arguing that these OTT platforms pose a threat to public order or national security through their content?
**Priya Sharma:** That’s the stated rationale. The argument seems to be that the explicit content distributed by these platforms is considered morally offensive and possibly harmful to societal values. Though, the vagueness of terms like “public order” and “morality” is concerning. This lack of specificity raises questions about potential misuse of this power to censor content based on subjective interpretations.
**Host:** That brings us to a critical point: the potential for censorship and the impact on freedom of expression. How do you view this ban considering India’s constitutional rights regarding free speech?
**Priya Sharma:** This is a complex issue. The Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression, but this right is not absolute. It can be reasonably restricted in the interest of public order, morality, and decency. Though, the government needs to demonstrate a clear and present danger posed by these platforms to justify such a drastic measure.
**Host:** And do you think they’ve done so convincingly in this case?
**Priya Sharma:** It’s debatable. While protecting citizens from harmful content is crucial, banning entire platforms without exploring less restrictive measures like age verification or content moderation raises concerns.
**Host:** You mentioned alternative measures. What other options could the government have considered?
**Priya Sharma:** The government could have explored content rating systems, strengthened existing regulations for online content, or partnered with OTT platforms to implement self-regulation mechanisms. Blanket bans seldom serve as effective long-term solutions and can set a dangerous precedent for censorship.
**Host:** This decision has undoubtedly sparked a debate about the balance between regulating digital content and protecting freedom of expression.Where do you see this debate heading in the future?
**Priya Sharma:** This is a critical conversation that needs to continue. We need a nuanced approach that upholds both the right to free speech and the need to protect vulnerable populations from harmful content. It requires a multi-stakeholder dialog involving the government, civil society, technology companies, and experts in law and ethics.
**Host:** Ms. Sharma,thank you for sharing yoru valuable insights. This is certainly a topic that will continue to be discussed and debated in the months and years to come.
