I&B Ministry advises OTT platforms to follow 'code of ethics' amid 'India's Got Latent' controversy

The central government on Feb 20 issued a notification warning Social Media channels and OTT platforms to follow the code of ethics as mentioned in the IT Rules (2021) with critical self-regulation and enforce "access control" for 'A' rated content so that children do not consume inappropriate content.

The advisory comes amid the ongoing row over 'India's Got Latent' row where famous YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia made objectionable comments in one of its episodes. After the controversy, the government ordered the removal of the episode of the roast show hosted by comedian Samay Raina.

According to the notification by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, the government received complaints about the “spread of obscene, pornographic, and vulgar content published by OTT platforms and social media.”

It emphasized that the law requires OTT platforms to “not transmit any content which is prohibited by law (and) undertake age-based classification of content.”

"Further, the Rules provide that self-regulatory bodies of OTT platforms shall oversee and ensure alignment and adherence by the OTT platforms to the Code of Ethics," it said.

"In view of the above it is advised OTT platforms adhere to various provisions of applicable laws, and the Code of Ethics prescribed under IT Rules, 2021 while publishing content on platforms, including stricter adherence to age-based classification of content prescribed under the Code of Ethics," the notification added.

On Feb 19, the Supreme Court rapped Allahbadia, also known as 'BeerBiceps', for being 'perverted' in his mindset.

The Court prevented any further police complaints against him in this case but barred him and his associates who were present on the said episode from doing any shows.

While hearing Allahbadia's plea, the bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice N Kotiswar Singh asked the central government about its plan to take steps to regulate "obscene" content online.

The court also stated that it would not "leave a vacuum" and would take action if needed.

"Union of India is a party... We would like to do something. The government of India will willingly do it, we will be very happy. Otherwise, we are not going to leave this vacuum. The way it is being misused by so-called YouTube channels... we have issued notice..." the court said.

In response to the Court's remarks, a parliamentary panel directed the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to submit a report on the effectiveness of existing laws in handling such cases and propose amendments to enhance legal scrutiny of online platforms.