The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) on February 19, 2025, issued the Advisory on adherence of Indian Laws and the Code of Ethics prescribed under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media, Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
The following has been stated namely: -
• In part-III provides a Code of Ethics for OTT platforms and a three-level institutional mechanism for the redressal of grievances relating to violation of the Code of Ethics.
• It states that the OTT platforms adhere to the various provisions of applicable laws, and the Code of Ethics prescribed under IT Rules, 2021 while publishing content on their platforms, including stricter adherence to the age-based classification of content prescribed under the Code of Ethics.
• Further, it states that the Self-regulatory Bodies of OTT platforms are requested to take appropriate proactive action for violation of Code of Ethics by the platforms.
• It gives more attention to the provision provided in the Indecent Representation of Women Act, 1986, Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), 2023, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSQ) Act, and Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000 wherein publication of obscene/pornographic content is a punishable offense.
[Notification no. - DM/7/2025-DM]
