This document summarizes the Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting's response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1786, answered on July 30, 2025, regarding obscene or harmful content on digital platforms and influencer advertisements.
The Ministry confirms that advisories were issued in May 2025, directing OTT platforms and digital intermediaries to remove media content originating from Pakistan, citing existing legal prohibitions. These actions are taken within the framework of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, notified on February 25, 2021, under the IT Act, 2000.
The IT Rules, 2021, mandate that OTT platforms adhere to a Code of Ethics, including refraining from transmitting content prohibited by law and implementing age-based self-classification with safeguards to restrict access to age-inappropriate content for children. Section 793b of the IT Act, 2000, empowers the government to notify intermediaries to remove or disable access to unlawful content. An advisory was also issued on February 19, 2025, to OTT platforms and their Self-Regulatory Bodies to ensure adherence to Indian laws and the IT Rules, 2021. As a result of these measures, 43 OTT platforms have been blocked after consultation with relevant Ministries.
The response also alludes to the potential for new regulations governing obscene or harmful content on digital platforms and influencer ads, as well as a possible three-tier grievance redressal mechanism or content evaluation body under the new Broadcasting Services Regulation Bill. However, specific details regarding the drafting of new regulations, stakeholder consultations, the proposed structure, oversight process, and implementation timeline for the grievance redressal mechanism are not provided in this response.
Key Entities Referenced
SHRI RAHUL KASWAN: Member of Parliament who raised the question regarding obscene or harmful content on digital platforms and influencer ads.
INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING: The Ministry responsible for issuing advisories and regulations regarding media content.
Pakistan: Country of origin for media content that the Government directed OTT platforms to remove.
Broadcasting Services Regulation Bill: Proposed bill that may include a three-tier grievance redressal mechanism or content evaluation body.
DR. L. MURUGAN: The Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs who provided the answer to the question.
Information Technology Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code Rules, 2021: Rules notified under the IT Act, 2000, providing a Code of Ethics for digital news publishers and OTT platforms.
IT Act, 2000: The Information Technology Act, 2000, under which the Information Technology Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code Rules, 2021 were notified.
Indian Laws: General laws of India
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1786
TO BE ANSWERED ON 30.07.2025
OBSCENE OR HARMFUL CONTENT ON DIGITAL PLATFORMS AND
INFLUENCERS ADS
1786. SHRI RAHUL KASWAN:
Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING be pleased to state;
(a) whether the Government issued advisories in May 2025 directing all OTT
platforms and digital intermediaries to immediately remove all media content
originating from Pakistan;
(b) if so, the rationale behind this directive and any precedents;
(c) whether the Government is simultaneously drafting new regulations to
govern “obscene” or “harmful” content on digital platforms and influencer ads
and if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether any consultation has been held with various stakeholders on this
draft frame work and content boundaries and if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether the Government proposes a three-tier grievance redressal
mechanism or content evaluation body under the new Broadcasting Services
(Regulation) Bill; and
(f) if so, the anticipated structure, oversight process and timeline for its
implementation?ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS
(DR. L. MURUGAN)
(a) to (f): The Government has notified the Information Technology
(Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media, Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 on
25.02.2021 under IT Act, 2000.
Part-III of the rules provides for a Code of Ethics for digital news publishers
and publishers of online curated content (OTT platforms).
OTT platforms are under obligation to not transmit any content which is
prohibited by law for the time being in force.
OTT platforms are under obligation to undertake age-based self-
classification of content, based on general guidelines provided in the
Schedule to the Rules which contain the provisions related to depiction
relating to nudity and sex.
The OTT platforms are also under obligation to put in place adequate
safeguards for restricting age-inappropriate content for children with
adequate access control measures. Besides, Section 79(3)(b) of IT Act, 2000
provides for notification by appropriate Governments of unlawful act or
content to the intermediaries for removing/disabling access to such content.
Government has issued advisory dated 19.02.2025 to OTT platforms and Self-
regulatory Bodies of OTT platforms for ensuring adherence to Indian Laws and
the Code of Ethics laid down under the IT Rules, 2021 while hosting of content
on their platforms.
After due consultation with relevant Ministries, 43 OTT platforms have been
blocked so far.
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