iWorld
Centre steps up rules to protect children from unsafe OTT content
INDIA: The Centre has strengthened its rules to make online spaces safer for children, especially on OTT platforms. In the Rajya Sabha, minister of state for information and broadcasting and parliamentary affairs L Murugan, outlined new measures aimed at stopping children from seeing age-inappropriate content.
The government said that although free speech is protected under Article 19(1), the rapid spread of fake, harmful or misleading material online has made stricter regulation necessary. The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, set the standards that OTT platforms and digital news publishers must follow.
Under these rules, OTT platforms cannot host content that is banned by law and must label shows and films with one of five age categories. They also need to offer strong parental controls so that children are not exposed to unsuitable content. Digital news publishers must follow the programme code under the Cable Television Networks Act, 1995, and the Press Council of India’s norms to avoid publishing inaccurate or misleading information.
A three-level grievance system has been created to ensure compliance: publishers must regulate themselves; an industry body reviews complaints; and the Centre oversees cases that are not resolved. The government said this structure maintains accountability while respecting press freedom.
The Ministry of Electronics and IT manages another part of the rules, which require platforms such as YouTube and Facebook to prevent the spread of false or misleading information. The Press Information Bureau’s fact check unit, active since 2019, verifies news about the central government and shares accurate updates on its official channels.
The government can also block websites, posts or social-media accounts under Section 69A of the IT Act if national security, public order or sovereignty are at risk.
Alongside these measures, officials highlighted initiatives to support digital creators, such as the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (Waves) 2025, the Create in India Challenges, the Waves Bazaar marketplace for creators, and Waves OTT, a Prasar Bharati platform that helps promote and monetise regional content.
iWorld
JioStar-backed crackdown busts illegal IPTV network, three arrested
Police seize Rs 20 lakh, expose piracy ring streaming IPL and OTT content
MUMBAI: A coordinated anti-piracy operation backed by JioStar India Private Limited has led to the arrest of three individuals linked to an organised illegal IPTV network streaming premium television and sports content, including matches from the TATA IPL 2026.
The crackdown was carried out by the Cyber Crime Police Firozabad, which uncovered a piracy syndicate operating under the name “BOS IPTV”. The accused were apprehended across Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan, signalling the multi-state footprint of the operation.
Investigators found that the network had built a user base of over 900 subscribers, distributing unauthorised streams of copyrighted content through digital platforms, including messaging apps. Authorities also traced structured financial transactions linked to the operation, with payments routed via QR codes, bank accounts and other digital methods.
As part of the enforcement action, law enforcement agencies seized several electronic devices and financial records. Around Rs 20 lakh connected to the accused has been frozen, highlighting the commercial scale of the piracy network.
The case follows an earlier crackdown on a large illegal IPTV operation and marks an expansion of efforts to dismantle connected nodes within the piracy ecosystem. Officials indicated that investigations are ongoing, with more links in the network under scrutiny.
The complaint, supported by JioStar India Private Limited, has been registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Information Technology Act and the Copyright Act.
The development underscores growing collaboration between content owners and law enforcement agencies as India intensifies its fight against digital piracy. With high-value properties like the IPL in focus, the message is clear: the stream may be illegal, but the crackdown is very real.
