(a) whether the Government has taken note that obscene entertainment is being served in the name of web series in the country;
(b) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto;
(c) whether the Government has assessed the impact of such web series on children and youth;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) whether the Government is considering to make stringent law in this regard and if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING; AND MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
(SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR):
(a) to (e): Government has notified Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rule, 2021 under the Information Technology Act, 2000 on 25th February, 2021.
Part III of the Rules inter-alia provide for adherence to a Code of Ethics by publishers of news and current affairs on digital media and publishers of online curated content (OTT Platforms). The Code of Ethics requires OTT platforms not to transmit any content which is prohibited by law and undertake age-based self classification of content, based on general guidelines provided in the Schedule to the Rules, along with adequate safeguards for restricting age-inappropriate content for children with adequate access control measures.
The Rules also provide for a three-level Grievance Redressal Mechanism to look into complaints/grievances relating to violation of the Code of Ethics by OTT platforms.
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