Centre Issues Warning to OTT Platforms Over Unintended Promotion of Drugs

New Delhi, Dec 17: The Indian government has issued a stern warning to Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms regarding the inadvertent promotion or glamourization of drug use in their content. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has cautioned that failure to adhere to regulations, including issuing proper disclaimers or warnings, could lead to further regulatory actions.

The advisory specifically highlights the serious consequences of depicting drug use through main characters or actors without appropriate context or disclaimers. The government expressed concern over the potential negative influence such portrayals could have, especially on young and impressionable viewers.

The Ministry pointed to the Code of Ethics for OTT platforms, which mandates that content publishers should not transmit material prohibited under any existing law or by any court order. It further emphasized that OTT platforms must carefully review content and ensure that any depictions of drug use are accompanied by clear user warnings.

The advisory also reminds platforms of their obligations under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. OTT platforms have been urged to voluntarily comply with these guidelines in the public interest, with non-compliance potentially leading to heightened regulatory oversight. Additionally, the advisory has been forwarded to self-regulatory bodies overseeing OTT content.