Govt Examines if Legal Framework is Needed to Regulate Obscene Digital Content

The Indian government is assessing the need for a stricter legal framework to regulate obscene and violent content on digital platforms.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) informed a parliamentary panel, led by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, that misuse of freedom of expression is a growing concern.

The move follows the Ranveer Allahbadia controversy, where the Supreme Court questioned the regulation of online content. The government has urged OTT platforms to follow IT Rules, 2021, including age-based classification and self-regulation.

The I&B Ministry is reviewing existing laws like the Indecent Representation of Women Act and the POCSO Act, amid ongoing legal challenges in various high courts.