Content Caution: MIB Reiterates Ethics for OTT Platforms

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) has consistently been proactive in shaping the digital content landscape. In June 2025, it continued to reinforce its directives to Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms and their self-regulatory bodies, re-emphasizing the critical need for content producers to adhere to Indian laws and the Code of Ethics prescribed under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 (IT Rules, 2021).

These advisories, building on previous communications (notably from February and May 2025), reflect ongoing concerns from various stakeholders – including Members of Parliament and the public – regarding the nature of content available on digital platforms.

The MIB's reiterated guidance underlines several core responsibilities:

1. Adherence to Indian Laws: Platforms must ensure that no content that is prohibited by existing Indian laws (such as those concerning obscenity, indecent representation of women, or child sexual abuse material) is published. This is a fundamental expectation of all content creators and publishers operating in India.

2. Rigorous Age-Based Classification: A crucial directive is the strict implementation of age-based content classifications (U, U/A 7+, U/A 13+, U/A 16+, and 'A' for adults). Platforms are particularly urged to strengthen access control mechanisms for 'A'-rated content to prevent minors from viewing inappropriate material.

3. Ethical Content Creation: Beyond legal compliance, the advisories stress the importance of exercising due caution and discretion when publishing content. This includes avoiding content that may be perceived as vulgar, explicit, or detrimental to public morality, fostering a responsible viewing environment.

4. Proactive Self-Regulation: Self-regulatory bodies established under the IT Rules, 2021, are called upon to play an even more proactive role in ensuring their member platforms comply with the Code of Ethics. This multi-tiered grievance redressal mechanism is central to the government's regulatory approach.

These consistent advisories signal the government's firm resolve to ensure accountability within the rapidly expanding digital content sector. For OTT platforms, this means moving beyond mere compliance checklists to embedding a culture of ethical content curation and responsible dissemination. The MIB's stance is clear: while digital platforms offer unprecedented freedom and diversity, they must operate within a framework that upholds societal values and protects vulnerable audiences. This ongoing regulatory push will continue to shape how content is produced, distributed, and consumed across India's digital landscape.