Murugan was responding to a question raised by Shiv Sena-UBT member Anil Desai, the PTI reported. He explained that under the IT Rules of 2021, intermediaries are required to exercise due diligence by making reasonable efforts to prevent the display or spread of obscene or pornographic content. These rules are designed to hold platforms accountable for the content they host and distribute.
Additionally, the IT Rules include a Code of Ethics that applies to publishers of digital news and current affairs, as well as online curated content, which includes OTT platforms. This Code of Ethics outlines the responsibilities and guidelines for such publishers to follow when producing and distributing content.
In his response, Murugan highlighted that, in coordination with various intermediaries, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting took action and blocked 18 OTT platforms on March 14, 2024. “The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has taken action in coordination with various intermediaries, and blocked 18 OTT platforms on 14th March, 2024 for publishing obscene, vulgar, and, in some instances, pornographic content under these provisions,” PTI quoted Murugan.
In a separate response, Murugan explained that the Code of Ethics for digital news publishers mandates compliance with the ‘Norms of Journalistic Conduct’ established by the Press Council of India. It also requires adherence to the Programme Code under the Cable Television (Network Regulation) Act, 1995. These guidelines help maintain journalistic integrity and ensure that digital news publishers uphold standards of accuracy and ethical reporting.
Murugan also addressed another question, confirming that publishers of news and current affairs on digital media, including YouTube news channels like Bolta Hindustan and National Dastak, are subject to the provisions of the IT Rules, 2021. Part-III of these rules outlines the process for issuing directions to block content under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
This provision empowers the central government to direct any government agency or intermediary to block content that is deemed harmful to national interests, including issues related to the sovereignty and integrity of India, defense, state security, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, or preventing incitement to the commission of a cognisable offense related to these matters.
