On Wednesday, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, L Murugan, informed the Lok Sabha that the government had blocked 18 OTT platforms this year for publishing obscene, vulgar, and in some cases, pornographic content. This action is in line with the IT Rules of 2021, which impose specific due diligence obligations on intermediaries to ensure they take reasonable steps to prevent the spread of such content.

The IT Rules also set out a Code of Ethics for publishers of news and current affairs on digital media, including OTT platforms. Murugan explained that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, in coordination with various intermediaries, had blocked these 18 platforms on March 14, 2024, due to violations of these regulations.

In response to other questions, Murugan also clarified that digital news publishers must adhere to the 'Norms of Journalistic Conduct' set by the Press Council of India, as well as the Programme Code under the Cable Television (Network Regulation Act, 1995). He further added that online news channels like Bolta Hindustan and National Dastak are also governed by the IT Rules, and the government has the authority to issue directions to block content under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000.

Murugan emphasized that the government can direct the blocking of content in cases that concern national security, sovereignty, public order, or incitement to criminal acts, underlining the broader powers granted by the IT Rules to protect the nation's interests.