Recent Blocking of OTT Platforms
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) has recently blocked five OTT platforms for streaming obscene content. The platforms affected include MoodXVIP, Koyal Playpro, Digi Movieplex, Feel, and Jugnu.
Legal Framework and Actions Taken
- Actions were taken under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
- Internet Service Providers (ISPs) were instructed to restrict access to these platforms.
- The platforms were streaming primarily obscene and pornographic content.
Past Actions and Violations
- Last year, the I&B Ministry directed intermediaries to disable public access to 25 OTT platforms, including Ullu, ALTT, and Desiflix.
- Ullu and ALTT have been under scrutiny due to their content.
- Violations include:
- Section 67 of the IT Act: Relates to publishing obscene material.
- Section 292 of the IPC: Covers obscenity.
- Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.
- Section 67A of the IT Act: Pertains to sexually explicit content.
Future Regulations and Draft Rules
There is a movement towards introducing draft rules to tackle obscenity in online content. Key proposals include:
- Classifying digital content by age suitability.
- Addressing issues like religious or communal attacks, incitement, and misleading innuendo.
Constitutional Context
The draft rules are a response to the Supreme Court's directive to balance free speech under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution with the permissible “reasonable restrictions” under Article 19(2).
Public Reaction
This initiative follows public backlash against social media influencers such as Ranveer Allahbadia and Samay Raina for their comments.
