Social media channels and OTT platforms have been directed by the Centre to strictly adhere to the Code of Ethics that has been listed in the IT Rules (2021). The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has also urged channels to implement strong self-regulation. The Centre’s advisory has surfaced amid the ongoing controversy over influencer and YouTuber ’s remarks in ”, comedian Samay Raina’s now-deleted show.
For the unversed, influencer and YouTuber had asked a contestant a disturbing question, “Would you rather watch your parents have sex every day for the rest of your life or join in once and stop it forever?” While many had slammed the podcaster, others filed multiple FIRs and called the question both inappropriate and unacceptable.
The ministry’s notification has asked these social media and OTT platforms to follow “access control for ‘A’ rated content” to ensure children don’t watch any kind of objectionable and inappropriate content.
As reports suggest, the ministry has received several complaints from parliamentarians, and others who have focused on the “spread of obscene, pornographic, and vulgar content by certain publishers of online curated content (OTT platforms) and social media”.
“Further, the Rules provide that self-regulatory bodies of OTT platforms shall oversee and ensure alignment and adherence by the OTT platforms to the Code of Ethics,” the notification further read.
The Centre also stated that according to the law, the OTT platforms must “not transmit any content which is prohibited by law (and) undertake age-based classification of content”.
“In view of the above it is advised OTT platforms adhere to various provisions of applicable laws, and Code of Ethics prescribed under IT Rules, 2021 while publishing content on platforms, including stricter adherence of age-based classification of content prescribed under Code of Ethics,” the notification said. It also clearly asked the platforms to “exercise caution”.
