The Government of India has recently taken decisive action against the proliferation of obscene and objectionable content on over-the-top (OTT) platforms. This move, spearheaded by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, comes in response to persistent violations despite prior warnings issued to these platforms.
Table of Contents
Warnings Ignored: Ministry’s Efforts and Minister’s Statements
Union Minister Anurag Thakur had been vocal about the consequences awaiting OTT platforms indulging in the dissemination of obscene content. Despite repeated warnings and advisories, no corrective actions were observed, prompting the Ministry to escalate its response.
Deliberations and Legal Basis
Last June, the Ministry convened a significant meeting to address the issue. The decision to block these platforms is rooted in various legal violations, including breaches of the IT Act, Indian Penal Code, and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act.
Action Taken: Platforms and Associated Entities Blocked
The ban extends beyond OTT platforms to encompass websites, apps, and social media handles associated with them. The comprehensive action reflects the government’s commitment to upholding ethical standards in content dissemination.
List of Blocked OTT Platforms
An exhaustive list of 18 OTT platforms, including names such as Dreams Films, Voovi, and Yessma, underscores the breadth of the government’s crackdown.
- Dreams Films OTT platform
- Voovi OTT platform
- Yessma OTT platform
- Uncut Adda OTT platform
- Tri Flicks OTT platform
- X Prime OTT platform
- Neon X VIP OTT platform
- Besharams OTT platform
- Hunters OTT platform
- Rabbit OTT platform
- Xtramood OTT platform
- Nuefliks OTT platform
- MoodX OTT platform
- Mojflix OTT platform
- Hot Shots VIP OTT platform
- Fugi OTT platform
- Chikooflix OTT platform
- Prime Play OTT platform
Nature of Content: Objectivity and Derogatory Elements
The content hosted on these platforms was found to be objectionable and derogatory towards women, featuring explicit nudity and sexual scenes. Instances of inappropriate relationships were rampant.
Legal Violations and Investigation Findings
Upon investigation, the content was found to contravene sections of the IT Act, IPC, and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.
Conclusion: Upholding Ethical Standards
The government’s decisive action underscores its commitment to regulating OTT platforms and ensuring the dissemination of responsible and ethical content. By safeguarding viewers from harmful material, it aims to foster a safer digital environment for all.
FAQs on India’s Crackdown on Obscene Content on OTT Platforms
Q: What action has the Government of India taken against OTT platforms showing obscene content?
A: The Government has blocked access to 18 OTT platforms, along with 19 websites, 19 apps, and 57 social media handles associated with them.
Q: Why has the Government taken this action?
A: The action was taken in response to persistent violations despite prior warnings issued to these platforms regarding the dissemination of obscene material.
Q: Who warned the OTT platforms about their content?
A: Union Minister Anurag Thakur had been vocal about the consequences awaiting OTT platforms indulging in the dissemination of obscene content.
Q: What laws were violated by these platforms?
A: Multiple laws were violated, including the IT Act, Indian Penal Code, and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act.
Q: What kind of content was found on these platforms?
A: The content was found to be objectionable, featuring explicit nudity, sexual scenes, and derogatory content towards women.
Q: How many OTT platforms were blocked?
A: A total of 18 OTT platforms were blocked by the Government of India.
Q: What is the aim of this action?
A: The aim is to regulate OTT platforms and ensure the dissemination of responsible and ethical content, thereby fostering a safer digital environment for all viewers.