In a significant move to regulate online content, the Indian government has issued a strict advisory to OTT platforms, directing them to comply with the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. This development follows the Supreme Court’s strong stance on the regulation of obscene content on platforms like YouTube, especially in the wake of the controversy surrounding the now-defunct ‘India’s Got Latent’ show.
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) took action after receiving numerous complaints from Members of Parliament, statutory organizations, and the public regarding the proliferation of obscene, pornographic, and vulgar content on online curated content publishers and social media platforms. The advisory, posted by Senior I&B Ministry Advisor Kanchan Gupta on X, urges OTT platforms to ensure compliance with India’s legal and ethical standards.
Advisory to OTT platforms against nisitha, indecency and obscenity:
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has issued an advisory to online curated content publishers (OTT platforms) and self-regulatory Bodies of OTT platforms, to ensure strict adherence to India’s laws and the… pic.twitter.com/xMjddk9ns0— Kanchan Gupta (@KanchanGupta) February 20, 2025
The Controversy Explained
The issue escalated after YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia made a controversial remark on comedian Samay Raina’s ‘India’s Got Latent’ show. During the episode, Allahbadia asked a contestant, “Would you rather watch your parents have sex every day for the rest of your life or join in once to make it stop forever?” The crude joke triggered massive public outrage and led to a national debate on the regulation of digital content.
ALSO READ: ‘Something very dirty in his mind’: Supreme Court raps Ranveer Allahbadia
The Supreme Court, while hearing Allahbadia’s plea to club multiple FIRs filed against him, remarked on the need for stringent oversight of online platforms, stating, “There was a need to do something.” The apex court has since barred Allahbadia from leaving the country and ordered him to halt all shows until further notice.
Government’s Firm Stand on Digital Content
Following the Supreme Court’s observations, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting reiterated that the Code of Ethics prohibits OTT platforms from transmitting content that is against the law.
A notice from the I&B Ministry stated, “The Ministry has received references from Hon’ble Members of Parliament, representation from statutory organisations and public grievances regarding alleged spread of obscene, pornographic and vulgar content published by certain publishers of online curated content (OTT platforms) and social media.”
ALSO READ: What Ranveer Allahbadia did after asking obscene question, audience member reveals
The government has now placed OTT platforms under scrutiny to ensure they abide by content moderation guidelines.
Legal Trouble for Allahbadia
The controversy has resulted in multiple FIRs against Allahbadia in Assam, Mumbai, and Jaipur. Mumbai and Guwahati Police have also noted that the popular influencer has been “continuously out of contact.” Amid rising legal pressure, Allahbadia issued an apology, admitting, “The remarks were not just inappropriate, it wasn’t even funny. Comedy is not my forte. I’m just here to say sorry.”
Growing Debate on Digital Freedom vs Regulation
This latest government action has reignited discussions on the balance between freedom of expression and responsible content creation in India’s rapidly evolving digital space. While many argue that OTT platforms should have creative freedom, others stress the need for ethical standards to prevent offensive and obscene content.
With the Supreme Court’s intervention and the government’s reinforced regulations, digital content creators may now face stricter scrutiny, reshaping India’s online entertainment landscape.
