Crackdown on Obscene Content: Government Bans 18 OTT Platforms in India.

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Crackdown on Obscene Content: Government Bans 18 OTT Platforms in India.

Team Finance Saathi

14/Mar/2024

Key Points:

Government bans 18 OTT platforms for hosting obscene and vulgar content, citing violations of IT Act and IPC.
Content depicted nudity, sexual acts in inappropriate contexts, and demeaning portrayal of women.
Over 1 crore downloads for one app; social media accounts with 32 lakh followers also blocked.

In a significant move, the Indian government has banned 18 Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms for hosting obscene and vulgar content, citing violations of various laws including the Information Technology (IT) Act and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has taken strict action against platforms like Dreams Films, Uncut Adda, and Prime Play for showcasing content deemed inappropriate for public consumption.

Understanding the Ban: The ban comes as a response to the proliferation of content that has been deemed as crossing the line of decency. The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting highlighted that the content hosted on these platforms often depicted nudity, sexual acts, and portrayed women in a demeaning manner. Scenes depicting relationships such as those between teachers and students or incestuous family relationships were prevalent. Moreover, sexual innuendos and prolonged segments of pornographic content lacking thematic or societal relevance were observed. This move aims to uphold the moral and ethical standards in media consumption and protect viewers from exposure to explicit and harmful content.

Scope and Impact: The banned OTT platforms had amassed a significant user base, with one app garnering over 1 crore downloads and others exceeding 50 lakh downloads on the Google Play Store alone. Additionally, their presence on social media platforms was notable, with a cumulative followership of over 32 lakh users across various channels. The government's action extends beyond merely banning the platforms; it also includes blocking access to associated websites, apps, and social media accounts. This comprehensive approach underscores the seriousness with which the government is addressing the issue of inappropriate content dissemination and its potential impact on society, especially on younger audiences.

Response and Legal Basis: The ban is founded on legal grounds, citing violations of Sections 67 and 67A of the Information Technology Act, Section 292 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986. By taking action against these platforms, the government aims to send a clear message about the enforcement of laws governing media content. However, it also raises discussions about the balance between freedom of expression and the regulation of content in the digital space. Critics argue that while the government has a duty to protect citizens from harmful content, there is a need for transparent guidelines to prevent overreach and censorship of legitimate artistic expression.

Conclusion: The ban on 18 OTT platforms marks a significant step in regulating content in the digital entertainment landscape. It reflects the government's commitment to upholding moral and ethical standards in media consumption while also protecting viewers, especially vulnerable groups, from exposure to explicit and harmful content. However, it also underscores the ongoing debate surrounding freedom of expression and the need for clear and transparent guidelines to ensure a balance between regulation and artistic freedom in the digital sphere.

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Crackdown on Obscene Content: Government Bans 18 OTT Platforms in India.

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