Fresh guidelines on cards to check obscenity and profanity in OTT content

The government is preparing to implement revised guidelines for films and serials on Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms. The new set of norms would require these platforms to eliminate profanity and blur explicit scenes. Sources informed the Times of India that the proposed rules will also encourage alternative depictions of intimate relationships and changing clothes, while calling for a reduction in profanity-laden language deemed integral to the script.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) is reportedly in the process of finalising the guidelines, which aim to regulate the depiction of obscene language and explicit content, the report added. OTT platforms show “obscene scenes” without any restrictions which “prompted the need for such guidelines”.

The I&B ministry took action against 18 OTT platforms by blocking access to their websites, apps, and social media accounts due to streaming of vulgar content in March. This move was part of the government’s broader efforts to ensure that content on streaming platforms aligns with Indian laws and cultural standards.

Ministry sources told TOI that wide consultations with stakeholders, including companies and individuals, are ongoing as the guidelines are developed. “These guidelines are being designed to ensure they do not violate certain legal provisions related to women. The rules will ensure that stories can be expressed through films without any violations,” a senior official said.

The report further added that the new regulations will not impose outright restrictions on content, but they will influence production practices. In addition to beeping out profanity and blurring obscene scenes, the guidelines may require essential profanity-laden dialogues to be presented in a distorted manner. There will also be recommendations for alternative portrayals of changing clothes and intimate encounters.

To enforce compliance, the ministry is expected to monitor the OTT content closely. Producers may need to include team members responsible for suggesting alternatives to vulgar dialogues while preserving the narrative’s impact. Additionally, producers could be required to submit affidavits to the Censor Board and the ministry, confirming adherence to the new guidelines throughout the production process. Money Control