Streaming Platforms In India Could Be Censored By Government Claiming Growing Complaints About Obscenity

The Indian government has indicated that it may start taking stringent action against the on-demand video platforms streaming content in the country. The central administration seems to be taking the power of censorship into its hands, which could set a dangerous precedent, cautioned a few experts.

There are several complaints regarding abusive language and display of obscene content in movies and TV shows, claimed Anurag Thakur, Union Minister of Information Broadcasting and Sports and Youth Affairs. He cautioned the central government, “will not shy away from making any changes in the rules to address this situation.”

Streaming Platforms Granted Freedom Of Creativity, Not Obscenity, Warns Indian Government

The Indian government is receiving a growing list of complaints about the increasing number of abusive and obscene content, claimed the Union Minister. He cautioned that the use of abusive language in the name of creativity will not be tolerated,

“Complaints have started increasing in the last few days and the department is taking it very seriously. If there is a need to make a change, we are willing to consider it seriously.”

The IT Rules, 2021 were supposed to usher in “self-regulation”, however they handed over direct ministerial power for censorship over OTTs. If we read legal developments in Cable Broadcast as contemporary history there is a clear path towards neutering creativity and control. https://t.co/gRrxAQ11Ws

— Apar (@apar1984) March 20, 2023

He was referring to the complaint resolution mechanism which currently addresses issues pertaining to streamed content. Needless to mention, streaming platforms, such as Netflix and Amazon, will have to aggressively monitor the content to keep the Indian government from intervening, which is exactly what the Union Minister suggested by saying:

“If there is a need to make any changes in the rules regarding this, the ministry is willing to consider that. These platforms were given freedom for creativity, not obscenity. Whatever necessary action needs to be taken on this, the government will not back down from it.”

Indian Government Will Regulate OTT Platforms In Addition To Televised Content?

The OTT or on-demand streaming platforms have been growing in popularity. The current rules governing Information Technology, which also apply to streaming platforms, were initially meant to allow self-regulation by the platforms.

Some experts have, however, cautioned that these rules could become a powerful tool in the hands of the government. This is because the revised IT rules have expanded the jurisdiction of the ministry governing mass media.

India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting previously monitored programs on television and screened in theatres in the country. However, since 2020, this ministry has also started regulating policies for streaming platforms and digital news outlets.

Best Mobiles in India