I&B Ministry
MIB extends time for feedback on Cable TV Networks Amendment Bill 2020
MUMBAI: The ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) has extended the timeline to receive feedback or comments on the proposed amendments of Cable Television Networks Amendment Bill 2020. While it was extended upto 17 March first time, the ministry has extended the date now till 13 April.
“In response to request received from various quarters with reference to this Public Notice dated 15.01.2020 and its letter of even number dated 21.01.2020 and 10.02.2020 respectively on the subject cited above, this ministry has decided to extend the time again upto 13 April, 2020 for furnishing suggestions/feedback/comments/inputs/views on the proposed amendments,” the MIB said in a notice.
MIB published the draft on 15 January inviting feedbacks from the stakeholders and generale public. The ministry is bringing in a slew of amendments to the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 through the draft Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2020.
While MIB is planning to bring amendments to the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 through the proposed draft, one of the major changes planned by the ministry is to prevent state governments or the entities as well as religious and political parties from entering the TV distribution space. The clause 4(1) now reads as follows: “Registration as cable operator–(1) Any person who is desirous of operating or is operating a cable television network may apply for registration or renewal of registration, as a cable operator to the registering authority.”
“Provided that such a registration or renewal of registration shall not be granted to the state governments, urban and local bodies, political and religious bodies, state government departments, state government-owned companies, State government undertakings, joint ventures of the state government and the private sector and state government funded entities.
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.
