The Supreme Court of India on Monday sent notices to top streaming websites such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and others following a public interest litigation (PIL) which alleges that these websites are distributing “obscene” material. The Supreme Court has consented to hear the petition and requested the Centre to file its response to the current and proposed norms for digital media.
Government Admits Regulatory Oversight Needed
During the hearing, the government’s representative Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that there are already some regulations in place for OTT platforms. At the same time, he said the government is considering new regulations to deal with the issues at hand. The Solicitor General highlighted the need to balance freedom of speech with regulation while expressing concerns regarding the nature of content on streaming platforms.
The Centre’s report provided serious issues regarding some of the content carried on OTT platforms. The government labeled such content not only as obscene but also “perverse,” highlighting that although it could be for adults, controlling access to such content is a challenge. The government highlighted that ensuring that such material does not end up in unintended audiences’ hands is a challenge.
Severe Remarks on Obscene Content Availability
The Solicitor General underscored the seriousness of the situation by stating, “Two men sitting together will not be able to watch” some of the material that is already available on OTT platforms. This statement refers to the extent of the material in question, and this adds to the concerns regarding its potential effect on viewers.
The Supreme Court’s notice and the Centre’s approach indicate an increasing realization of the necessity to better regulate OTT platforms. With streaming services becoming a part of everyday entertainment, the necessity for clearer guidelines to strike a balance between freedom of expression and content moderation is becoming ever more essential.
