OTT platform asked to take down ‘obscene’ content by the regulatory body

The self-regulatory body for online curated content has suggested strict action on a platform invoking the Information Technology Rules (2021).

The Digital Publisher Content Grievances Council (DPCGC), a registered self-regulatory body for OTT platforms, headed by retired Supreme Court Judge Justice A K Sikri, ‘gravely objected’ to the content being streamed on an OTT platform called ULLU, and ordered take-down of such content in 15 days.

The order was passed after a complaint on the obscene nature of the content being streamed on ULLU was filed. The complainant stated that some of the web series only had obscenity and nudity, which is contrary to the law of the land as well as the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.

ULLU has denied all allegations. It insists that the viewership is based on discretion, and has also cited ‘freedom of speech and expression’ as enshrined in the Constitution.

In a conversation with The Indian Express, officials from ULLU said they were reviewing the order internally but won’t be able to comment any further.

The government recently remarked that OTT platforms have the responsibility of ensuring that ‘they do not propagate vulgarity and abuse camouflaged as the creative expression’.

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