In a decisive move against misinformation, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has blocked 43 over-the-top (OTT) platforms for disseminating fake news and inappropriate content.
The crackdown reflects the Centre’s intensified efforts to enforce media ethics across print, television, and digital domains. The action comes under the sovereign mandate to uphold public trust and ensure national security.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, addressing Parliament, reaffirmed that curbing misinformation is a constitutional responsibility. “We tackle false news through the Fact Check Unit under the Press Information Bureau, which verifies and publishes accurate information from government sources,” he said.
Legal frameworks supporting this initiative span multiple media channels. Print outlets must adhere to the Press Council of India’s Norms of Journalistic Conduct, while television broadcasters follow the Programme Code under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995.
Digital news and OTT platforms fall under the Information Technology Rules, 2021, which include a stringent Code of Ethics and age-based content classifications.
Under Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000, the government can block digital platforms in the interest of India’s sovereignty and public order. Following consultations with relevant ministries, 43 OTT platforms were blocked after violations were confirmed. An advisory was also issued earlier this year urging OTTs to comply with Indian laws, age restrictions, and ethical guidelines.
This sweeping action sends a clear signal to media producers: misinformation will not be tolerated, regardless of format.
As India navigates an increasingly digitised information ecosystem, accountability and transparency remain pivotal to preserving democratic discourse.
