Centre bans five OTT platforms over ‘obscene’ content, citing IT Rules violations

In a significant move, the Indian government has imposed a ban on five Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms due to their failure to comply with the Information Technology (IT) Rules established in 2021. This decision underscores the government's increasing scrutiny of digital content, particularly concerning what it deems as obscene material. The authorities have emphasized the importance of adherence to these regulations, which aim to ensure that online content meets certain standards of decency and respect for cultural values. The platforms affected by the ban have not been publicly identified, but this action reflects a broader trend of regulatory enforcement in the digital media landscape, as the government seeks to balance freedom of expression with societal norms. This latest development is likely to provoke discussions around censorship, the responsibilities of digital service providers, and the ongoing evolution of content regulation in India, amid rising concerns over online content's impact on public morality.