50 OTT platforms banned for displaying obscene content, other violations: Govt.

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The government has disabled 50 OTT platforms as part of its efforts to remove objectionable content from the platforms, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said.

In a written reply to member Sambit Patra, Mr. Vaishnaw said, “In the last two years, the Government of India has banned public access to 50 OTT platforms for displaying obscene content and violating Sections 67 and 67A of the IT Act, Section 294 of the BNS Act and Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition of Women) Act.

In a written reply to Lok Sabha member Rajabhau Parag Prakash Waje, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs L. Murugan said the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media, Ethics Code) Rules were notified to put in place an institutional mechanism for current affairs publishers on digital media and OTT platforms.

The provisions of § 79 paragraph 3 letter b) of the IT Act provides for notification of intermediaries to remove or disable access to illegal content.

Regarding the government’s policy to ensure an open, safe, trustworthy and responsible internet for its users, including children, Mr. Vaishnaw said recent changes in IT rules require social media platforms and other intermediaries to remove illegal content within three hours of receiving a court order or a reasoned notice by the government or its agency.

Legal framework

The Digital Personal Data Protection Act sets out the legal framework for regulating the processing of digital personal data and protecting children’s online privacy, while the Online Gaming Promotion and Regulation Act addresses digital addiction and financial harm among youth.

Mr. Vaishnaw said the Economic Survey 2025-26 mentions digital addiction as a serious public health challenge affecting India’s children and youth, especially those aged 15-29.

The government is implementing the ‘Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA)’ project to develop human resources in the field of information security and build general awareness about various aspects of cyber hygiene and cyber security among the masses. So far, 6,650 workshops have been conducted across the country involving more than 11.37 lakh participants, he said.

Multilingual manuals, short videos, posters, brochures, cartoons for children, etc. have also been published and disseminated.

CERT-In regularly shares security tips, information posters, infographics and videos on its official website and social media to alert internet users about cyber security attacks and scams, including online safety measures for children.

In July 2020, the Ministry of Education issued the PRAGYATA Guidelines on Digital Education, which provide a framework for safe and effective online education, including promoting student wellbeing and the responsible use of social media and electronic devices. CBSE and NCERT have also contributed to the development and dissemination of materials.

Published – 22 Jul 2026 20:58 IST