I&B Ministry
Pandey Panel ignores Reddy’s suggestions; moratorium to continue
BANGALORE: The Karnataka state government formed Pandey Panel has decided to ignore Information and Broadcasting minister’s gentle pressure on Karnataka CM Dharam Singh and decided to continue the seven-week moratorium on release of non-Kannada films.
The film exhibitors were conspicuous by their absence.
Theaters, which used to run non-Kannada films foresee a bleak future if they are not permitted to release films at the same time as all over India and the world. Many owners are considering converting their properties to shopping malls or developing properties there.
Of the 68 theaters which shut shops following the call given by the now dissolved Karnataka Cinema Owners Theater Association (KCTOA), four had already started screening English films. Another 50 may start operations by screening Kannada films, subject to availability. The film exhibitors have given up hope saying that the Karnataka Film Producers Association (KFPA) is too strong. So in Karnataka, might is right and the government seems to be practically doing nothing to sort out the issue.
In yet another development, actor turned politician Ambarish has been given the responsibility to mediate and sort the issue. He is supposed to meet all the three directly effected parties – KFPA, exhibitors and distributors on 15 September.
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.
