Obscene Content Must Be Removed Immediately: Platforms Given 36 Hours to Comply, Government Issues Strict Advisory
The central government has issued a strong advisory to social media companies, OTT platforms and digital publishers, directing them to take immediate action against obscene and illegal content. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has made it clear that any violation of the Information Technology rules will invite strict action, including heavy penalties and possible criminal proceedings.
According to the advisory, online platforms must remove objectionable content within 36 hours of receiving a complaint or a lawful order. The government has warned that failure to comply will result in the loss of legal protections currently available to digital intermediaries.
Government Tightens Watch on Digital Platforms
MeitY has stated that it is closely monitoring content published on social media platforms, short-video apps and OTT streaming services. The ministry has expressed serious concern over the increasing circulation of obscene, pornographic and unlawful material online.
Officials have emphasized that such content has a negative impact on society, particularly on minors. Any content that is sexually explicit, pornographic, or harmful to children will not be tolerated. Platforms have been reminded that they are legally responsible for ensuring compliance with Indian laws.
What Content Falls Under Strict Scrutiny
The advisory clearly outlines the types of content that must be removed without delay. This includes pornographic material, sexually explicit visuals or videos, and content involving or targeting minors. Any digital material that violates existing Indian laws or threatens public morality and safety must be taken down.
The government has reiterated that online platforms cannot claim ignorance and must proactively ensure that such content does not remain accessible to users.
Obligations Under IT Rules, 2021
Under the IT Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code Rules, 2021, all intermediaries are required to follow strict due diligence norms. Upon receiving a complaint or court order, platforms must remove the identified content within 36 hours.
These rules apply uniformly to social media companies, OTT platforms and digital news publishers. Non-compliance will be treated as a serious legal violation.
Use of Automated Tools and Human Moderation Mandatory
MeitY has instructed platforms not to rely solely on user complaints. Companies must deploy a combination of automated detection tools and human moderation teams to identify and remove objectionable content proactively.
The ministry believes that early detection and swift removal can prevent harmful content from spreading rapidly. This responsibility has been described as a core duty of digital platforms operating in the country.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
If platforms fail to follow the advisory, they may lose their safe harbour protection, which shields them from liability for third-party content. Once this protection is withdrawn, platforms can be held directly responsible for illegal content hosted on their services.
In such cases, company executives may face criminal action, significant financial penalties, or even blocking of services within the country.
Compliance Report Required Within 15 Days
The government has asked all digital platforms to submit a compliance report within 15 days. This report must include details of the content removed, the number of complaints addressed, and the steps taken to prevent such violations in the future.
The advisory comes after several recent incidents involving objectionable online content, prompting the government to take a tougher stance. Industry bodies have also confirmed receiving the directive and have assured cooperation with the authorities.
The government’s message is clear: platforms must act responsibly and ensure that digital spaces remain safe, lawful and accountable.
