I&B Ministry
MIB extends draft broadcast bill consultation date to 15 October
Mumbai: The ministry of information & broadcasting (MIB) has announced late last night on X (twitter) that the last date for receiving comments/recommendations/suggestions on the much-talked-about draft broadcasting bill has been extended to 15 October 2024. It also attached the draft Broadcasting Services (Regulations) Bill, 2023 which it had released on 10 November 2023 with the tweet, and not the “2024 draft version” which has been doing the rounds of several publications.
It had been alleged by several media outlets that the bill in its 2024 draft version would curb the relative freedom that news channels, influencers, online websites, and OTT platforms currently enjoy by asking them to set up content evaluation committees.
Earlier yesterday, certain news publications had reported that the ministry had told organisations to return their copies of the “2024 draft version” to it. The MIB it is reported was holding consultations with select stakeholders on this version.
Even as the date has been extended, it was not clear at the time of writing whether the 2024 draft version was being scrapped in its entirety or only parts of it would be.
In its tweet, the MIB cryptically said that a fresh draft would be published after detailed consultations.
I&B Ministry
MIB blocks MoodXVIP, Koyal Playpro and three other OTT platforms over obscene, sexually explicit content
Platforms streamed material violating IT Act provisions
NATIONAL: India’s Information and Broadcasting Ministry blocked five over-the-top streaming platforms for allegedly hosting obscene and sexually explicit content, marking a fresh escalation in regulatory action against digital services operating outside the country’s content rules, as per media reports.
The platforms, MoodXVIP, Koyal Playpro, Digi Movieplex, Feel and Jugnu, were found to be streaming material that prima facie violates provisions of the Information Technology Act and rules governing online publishers.
Blocking orders were issued under statutory powers that allow the government to restrict access to online content in the interest of public order and decency. Internet service providers have been directed to disable access to the websites and mobile applications linked to the platforms.
The move forms part of a wider surveillance drive by the ministry targeting lesser-known and unregulated streaming services that allegedly evade self-regulatory obligations applicable to OTT platforms. Officials said the action followed repeated advisories urging compliance with Indian laws, including age-based classification, grievance redressal mechanisms and restrictions on explicit material.
Government sources described the content hosted by the blocked platforms as “highly explicit”, adding that it crossed legal thresholds permitted under Indian law. While large OTT players operate within a three-tier grievance redressal framework introduced in 2021, smaller apps have increasingly drawn scrutiny for distributing adult content without oversight.
The latest action also reflects heightened enforcement against platforms operating through mirror websites, offshore hosting arrangements or opaque ownership structures. Authorities have in recent years stepped up monitoring of online curated content amid concerns around obscenity, misleading promotions and unlawful distribution.
Officials declined to say whether further steps, including probes into operators, payment gateways or production entities, were being considered. However, sources indicated that additional platforms could face similar action if found in breach of the law.
