I&B Ministry
VTV & DY365 to go off air for violating programming act
MUMBAI: In two separate cases, the ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) has asked channels VTV and DY 365 to be taken off air.
In the first case, VTV has been asked to go off air for a day on 16 December, for violating the provisions of the programme code under Cable TV Networks Regulation Act of 1995. The channel telecast a news programme namely, ‘viral truth’ on 20 March 2017 at 7 pm in which a man could be seen brutally beating up children in an orphanage and the video started trending on social media alleging that this incident occurred in RMVM school of Valsad Gujarat. However, when the channel conducted its own investigation about this video, it found that the video was of an incident in an orphanage in Egypt. While reporting the news, the channel showed disturbing visuals of the orphan kids who were beaten up and thrashed brutally by the manager.
The inter-ministerial committee believes the channel tried to sensationalise the issue to grab the attention of its viewers and such visuals not only offend good taste/decency but also denigrate children by showing them being brutally tortured.
In the second case, an Assamese channel DY 365 has been asked to go off air for three days from 15-18 December 2017. It telecast a news report on 6 June 2017 at 12.59 pm in which a man could be seen tossing a new-born baby up and down in the air. He hurls and slings the baby in every possible manner and direction without a shred of care and concern. The video meant to expose an extremely dangerous superstition allegedly prevalent in some parts of Assam where people believe that undergoing this ritual will keep the child safe.
The ministry believes the visuals are extremely disturbing, and not suitable for unrestricted public exhibition and has recommended that the channel may be handed Three days off-air penalty for violation of the provisions of programme & advertising codes.
The channel was in violation of Rule 6 (1) (a), (l) & (o) of the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994 under the Cable Television Networks Regulation Act, 1995.
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I&B Ministry
India moves closer to age restrictions on social media
Government weighs options from under-13 ban to graded access amid rising safety concerns.
MUMBAI: The Indian government is finally ready to draw a line in the scroll because when children are spending more time on screens than in playgrounds, even policymakers have to hit pause. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has held multiple rounds of discussions with social media platforms and industry stakeholders to explore whether companies can technically enforce age-based access controls. Currently, India has no uniform mechanism to restrict social media usage by age.
The issue has gained momentum at both state and national levels. Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh have already signalled intent to introduce restrictions, with more states expected to follow. Internationally, Australia has banned access for users under 16, while similar measures are under consideration in parts of Europe and the US.
Officials indicated that broader political consensus is being sought before any nationwide decision. Policymakers are evaluating options ranging from a complete ban for younger users to a graded system allowing limited, age-appropriate access on platforms such as Youtube and Meta.
A key point of debate is the age threshold whether restrictions should apply below 13 (in line with several global norms) or extend to 16. The discussion has been intensified by concerns raised by the National Human Rights Commission about children’s exposure to harmful content, misinformation, cyberbullying, fraud and digital addiction.
Industry voices have cautioned against an outright ban, arguing it could push younger users towards unregulated or illicit spaces, making enforcement even harder. The government is studying global regulatory approaches and their outcomes, while the Economic Survey earlier this year recommended age-based controls and stronger platform accountability.
With consultations ongoing and multiple stakeholders involved, the framework is still evolving, but momentum is clearly building toward some form of regulation. Any decision will have significant implications for social media companies operating in India, given the country’s large and young user base.
In a nation where children are growing up with smartphones in hand, the Centre is preparing to decide how early they should be allowed to scroll striking a delicate balance between protection and freedom in the world’s largest digital playground.
