The Central Government has informed the Rajya Sabha that publishers of online curated content (OTT platforms) are governed by the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, which lay down a Code of Ethics and a structured grievance redressal mechanism for digital content.
The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 were notified on February 25, 2021, under the Information Technology Act, 2000. The rules establish an institutional framework for publishers of digital news and current affairs content as well as OTT platforms.
According to the government, Part III of the Rules prescribes a Code of Ethics that requires OTT platforms to ensure they do not transmit content prohibited under any law. The Code also mandates platforms to exercise due caution and discretion while classifying content.
The content classification framework requires OTT platforms to categorise programmes based on themes and messages, violence, nudity, sex, language, drug and substance abuse, and horror, as specified in the Schedule to the Rules.
The government further stated that Part II of the Schedule to the IT Rules, 2021 provides detailed guidelines for content classification, including content involving psychotropic substances, liquor, smoking, tobacco and imitable behaviour.
The Centre said complaints regarding violations of the Code of Ethics are addressed through the three-tier grievance redressal mechanism established under the IT Rules, 2021. Complaints received by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting are forwarded to the concerned OTT platforms for resolution in accordance with the provisions of the Rules.
The government also informed the House that it had issued an advisory on November 26, 2024, to publishers of online curated content regarding the streaming of content related to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
The information was provided by Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan, in a written reply to a question raised by Rajya Sabha MP Haris Beeran.
