Till a few decades ago, TV was the only source of entertainment available to humans. In such a situation, it was easy for the government and the organizations associated with it to keep an eye on the content shown on it. However, this is not the case now. There are thousands of OTT platforms on the internet which are serving content in an arbitrary manner. There are some OTT platforms which are serving a lot of obscene content to the viewers. This is the reason why recently the Government of India banned 18 such OTT platforms.
Why did the government ban
On Thursday, the Government of India Banned on 18 OTT platforms for serving obscene content. Apart from this, action has also been taken on some social media accounts, 19 websites, 10 apps and 57 different social media handles related to them. The government alleges that these platforms were showing women in a derogatory manner. Apart from this, he was also accused of misrepresenting relationships.
How do these cases reach the government
After the action of the Government of India, social This question is being asked a lot in the media that how does the government or related organizations know on which OTT platform or social media handle obscene content is being served. Let us now give you the answer. Actually, the Government of India has created many types of portals and online addresses, where any person can lodge a complaint regarding any kind of obscene content.
On the basis of these complaints, the government has banned these platforms. Investigates, then warns them, and then takes action against them. For example, if you want to lodge a complaint regarding any OTT platform, then you can send your complaint to TRAI at this address advqos@trai.gov.in. You can also lodge a complaint by visiting services.india.gov.in. Apart from this, you can also complain about any such platform by visiting mib.gov.in.
Under which sections action is taken
At present, the Government of India monitors the content of OTT platforms on the basis of Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code Rules, 2021. According to its rules, OTT platforms will have to follow the classification, age rating and self-regulation of their content themselves. If any OTT platform does not do this, then under Section 67, 67A and 67B of this Act, the government has the right to block the objectionable content being presented. Apart from this, the government also considers such content as a violation of Section 292 of the IPC and Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.
How much punishment is given
In such cases, action is also taken under Section 67 of the IPC. According to Section 67 of the IPC, if any person transmits or publishes obscene content through electronic means or causes or incites anyone to disseminate obscene content, then it will be considered a crime. In such a case, if found guilty for the first time in such a case, there is a provision of imprisonment up to three years and a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh. Whereas, if someone is found guilty of doing this for the second time, then there is a provision of imprisonment for five years and a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh.
