MIB issues advisory to streaming platforms to regulate content

The advisory, issued on Tuesday, follows references from parliamentarians, regulators and public grievances, and the immense blowback to comments made by podcaster Ranveer Allahabadia on a YouTube comedy show. The advisory also addressed self-regulatory bodies (SRB) of streaming platforms such as Netflix, JioHotstar and Amazon Prime Video.

The advisory directed the streamers and their SRBs to take measures under part three of Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. The advisory “requested” the SRBs to take “proactive” action when the streamers violate the Code of Ethics.

“This ministry has received references from Hon’ble Members of Parliament, representations from statutory organisations and public grievances regarding alleged spread of obscene, pornographic and vulgar content published by certain publishers of online curated content (OTT platforms) and Social Media,” the advisory read.