I&B Ministry Urges OTT Platforms to Enforce Age-Based Content Guidelines Amid Controversy

New Delhi- The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued an advisory to OTT platforms, instructing them to adhere to age-based content classification guidelines as prescribed in the Code of Ethics. This directive comes amid controversy surrounding comments made during a "India's Got Latent" episode featuring Ranveer Allahbadia.

Deputy Secretary Amarendra Singh's advisory, issued Wednesday, specifically reminded platforms and their self-regulatory bodies to comply with applicable laws and the Code of Ethics under IT Rules, 2021. Self-regulatory bodies were instructed to take proactive measures against platforms violating these standards.

The ministry's action follows recent Supreme Court proceedings where Allahbadia faced criticism for allegedly "perverse" content. During the hearing, a bench including Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh issued notice to the central government regarding regulatory gaps in online content oversight.

"We would like to do something. If the Government will willingly do it, we will be very happy," the court stated on Tuesday.

The controversy stemmed from Allahbadia's remarks about parents and sexual content during a YouTube livestream. The I&B Ministry noted it had received complaints from MPs, statutory organizations, and public grievances about alleged obscene and vulgar content on certain OTT platforms and social media services.

The ministry highlighted that IT Rules established in 2021 include a three-level institutional mechanism for addressing Code of Ethics violations. These requirements include:

• Prohibition of legally restricted content

• Implementation of age-based classification systems

• Access control mechanisms for adult-rated content

• Exercise of discretion and caution

The advisory also reminded platforms about legal provisions under multiple statutes including the Indecent Representation of Women Act, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, POCSO Act, and IT Act, under which publishing obscene or pornographic content constitutes a punishable offense.