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50 OTT platforms blocked in 2 years for obscene content, IT Act violations

UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity

PolitySecurity

Why in news

The government informed Lok Sabha that 50 OTT platforms have been blocked in the last two years for showing obscene content and violating the IT Act and other laws. This highlights the enforcement of the IT Rules, 2021 and the government's crackdown on digital content regulation.

Background

The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 were notified on 25 February 2021 under the IT Act, 2000 to create an institutional mechanism for publishers of digital news and online curated content (OTT platforms). Part III of these rules provides a code of ethics for such publishers.

Key facts

in5points

  1. 50 OTT platforms were blocked in India in the last two years for showing obscene content and violating the IT Act and other applicable laws.

  2. The action was based on complaints and violations of Section 67 and 67A of the IT Act, Section 294 of BNS, and Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.

  3. The IT Rules, 2021 were notified on 25 February 2021 under the IT Act, 2000.

  4. Part III of the IT Rules, 2021 provides a code of ethics for digital news publishers and OTT platforms.

  5. Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, 2000 provides for notifying intermediaries to remove or disable access to unlawful content.

  6. The information was given by Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr. L. Murugan in a written reply in Lok Sabha.

Prelims pointers

  • IT Rules, 2021: notified on 25 February 2021 under IT Act, 2000
  • Part III of IT Rules, 2021: Code of Ethics for digital news and OTT platforms
  • Section 79(3)(b) of IT Act, 2000: intermediary obligation to remove unlawful content
  • Section 67 and 67A of IT Act: punishment for publishing obscene material
  • Section 294 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS): obscene acts and songs
  • Section 4 of Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986: prohibition of indecent representation of women
  • Ministry of Information and Broadcasting: nodal ministry for OTT regulation

Mains angles

  • Discuss the effectiveness of the IT Rules, 2021 in regulating OTT content and balancing freedom of speech with social morality.
  • Critically examine the role of the government in blocking OTT platforms and the implications for digital rights and censorship.
  • Analyze the legal framework for content regulation on OTT platforms in India, including the IT Act and other relevant laws.
50 OTT platforms blocked in 2 years for obscene content, IT Act violations — UPSC Polity · in5points