Government Tightens Safeguards on OTT Platforms to Protect Children from Harmful Content

The Central Government has reaffirmed its commitment to creating safer digital environments for children by enforcing stronger safeguards on OTT platforms to prevent exposure to age-inappropriate and harmful content. The updated stance was outlined in the Rajya Sabha by Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan, in response to a query raised by MP Dr. Kanimozhi NVN Somu.

The move comes amid growing concerns over the spread of misleading, inappropriate and harmful digital content accessible to minors across online streaming and social media platforms.

Balancing Free Speech and Digital Safety

Article 19(1) and the Need for Regulation

The Government emphasised that while freedom of speech is protected under Article 19(1) of the Constitution, the rapid expansion of digital media has also led to a rise in fake, misleading and harmful online content. This, it noted, makes regulatory safeguards essential—especially to protect children and vulnerable users.

The Centre clarified that its approach seeks to balance constitutional freedoms with public interest, child safety and digital accountability.

IT Rules, 2021: Core Framework for OTT Regulation

Code of Ethics for Digital Media Platforms

To address these challenges, the Government highlighted the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, notified under the IT Act, 2000, which lay down a comprehensive regulatory structure for OTT platforms and digital news publishers.

Content Obligations Under Part III of IT Rules

Mandatory Age Classification and Parental Controls

Under Part III of the IT Rules, OTT platforms are required to:

• Avoid hosting or publishing content prohibited by law

• Classify content based on age suitability across five categories

• Implement effective parental controls

• Put in place additional safeguards to restrict children’s access to unsuitable material

These provisions are aimed at ensuring that minors are not inadvertently exposed to content that could be harmful or inappropriate for their age group.

Standards for Digital News and Current Affairs Content

Programme Code and Journalistic Norms

The Rules also mandate that publishers of news and current affairs content adhere to:

• The Programme Code under the Cable Television Networks Act, 1995

• The Press Council of India’s Norms of Journalistic Conduct

These standards prohibit the dissemination of inaccurate, misleading or half-truth content, reinforcing credibility and accountability in digital journalism.

Three-Level Grievance Redressal Mechanism

Structured Oversight for Compliance

To ensure effective enforcement, the IT Rules establish a three-tier grievance redressal framework:

Level I: Publisher

• First point of grievance handling

Level II: Self-Regulating Body

• Industry-led oversight by publishers

Level III: Central Government Oversight

• Final level of review and intervention

The Government stated that this system ensures accountability while preserving freedom of the press and expression.

Role of MeitY and Intermediary Obligations

Preventing False and Misleading Information

Part II of the IT Rules, administered by the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), places obligations on intermediaries such as YouTube and Facebook. These platforms are required to take reasonable efforts to prevent the spread of patently false or misleading information on their services.

Fact-Checking and Blocking Powers

PIB Fact Check Unit and Section 69A

The Government also highlighted that the Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check Unit (FCU), operational since November 2019, verifies news related to the Central Government and disseminates accurate information through its official channels.

Additionally, under Section 69A of the IT Act, the Government has the authority to block websites, social media accounts or individual posts in the interest of:

• National security

• Public order

• Sovereignty and integrity of India

Supporting India’s Digital Creators Ecosystem

Key Government Initiatives

Alongside regulation, the Government underlined its efforts to empower India’s digital creators, citing several initiatives:

World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025

• A global platform to showcase India’s media and entertainment potential

Create in India Challenges (CIC)

• Industry-linked training programmes

• Support for converting regional talent into professional content

WAVES Bazaar

• A national marketplace connecting Indian creators with global buyers

WAVES OTT (Prasar Bharati)

• A unified OTT platform to showcase and monetise regional content

These initiatives aim to foster a responsible, inclusive and globally competitive digital content ecosystem.