'Exercise Caution': Govt Tells OTT Platforms to Tighten Content Classification Amid IGL Controversy

The Center has instructed OTT platforms and social media channels to closely follow the Code of Ethics outlined in the IT Rules (2021). Additionally, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has called on stations to enact strict self-regulation. The Center's advice has come to light in the midst of the continuing controversy surrounding the comments made by YouTuber and influencer Samay Raina on his now-deleted show, "India's Got Latent." 

"Would you rather watch your parents have sex every day for the rest of your life or join in once and stop it forever?" was a troubling question posed to a contestant by YouTuber and influencer Ranveer Allahbadia. Some filed several FIRs and deemed the question inappropriate and unacceptable, while others criticized the podcaster. 

IGL Controversy Update:

According to sources, the ministry has been the target of multiple complaints from lawmakers and others who focused, "the ministry has been the target of multiple complaints lawmakers 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."

OTT platforms are required by law to "not transmit any content which is prohibited by law (and) undertake age-based classification of content," the Center added. "In view of the above it is advised OTT platforms adhere to various provisions of applicable laws, and the Code of Ethics prescribed under IT Rules, 2021 while publishing content on platforms, including stricter adherence to the age-based classification of content prescribed under the Code of Ethics," the notice stated. Additionally, it explicitly requested that the platforms "exercise caution".

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