Ashwini Vaishnaw calls for stricter rules on social media, OTT

Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Wednesday that existing laws need to be strengthened to curb vulgar content on social media and over-the-top (OTT) platforms.

Responding to questions by the BJP’s Meerut MP Arun Govil during the Question Hour in Lok Sabha, Vaishnaw said the parliamentary standing committee should take up the issue and also called for a consensus to frame stricter laws in this regard.

In his question, Govil stated that vulgar content on OTT platforms and social media damages moral values and culture. He asked about existing mechanisms to check the illegal telecast of vulgar content through social media platforms and whether the government proposes to make the existing laws more stringent, considering that they are not effective in stopping the misuse of these platforms.

Vaishnaw stated that previously, there were editorial checks in place to determine if something was right or wrong; however, those checks are no longer there. “Today, social media, which is a major platform for freedom of the press in a way, is also an uncontrolled expression in another way, in which vulgar content also comes due to lack of editorial check,” the minister said.

Vaishnaw agreed that there was a need to make the existing laws more stringent. “I will appeal to develop a consensus on it.”

Govil further asked whether the government was considering introducing any new policy to control the operation of foreign platforms and OTT platforms that allegedly circulate objectionable content and hold them accountable under Indian laws.

Vaishnaw stated that there is a significant difference between the culture of India and that of countries where these social media platforms originate. “Such a debate is happening in almost every country across the world. So, I request our parliamentary standing committee to take up this issue, a consensus is made in the society on this issue, and more stringent laws are made.”

Govil’s questions and Vaishnaw’s answers came amid din in the House when the Opposition members insisted on discussing various issues, including bribery charges related to the Adani Group and violence in the Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh. Indian Express