Ashwini Vaishnaw calls for stronger laws to curb obscenity on social media

Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw has called for stronger laws to address the growing issue of obscenity on social media platforms. Speaking in the Lok Sabha on November 27, Vaishnaw emphasized that social media lacks the editorial oversight found in traditional media, which often serves as a check on harmful content. He urged the parliamentary standing committee on communications and information technology to address the issue of vulgar content circulating online.

Vaishnaw responded to BJP MP Arun Govil’s query about controlling "vulgar and sex-related content" on social media, acknowledging that the cultural context of these platforms differs greatly from India’s values. He stressed the need for a societal consensus and stronger laws to regulate such content.

The government has already taken steps to block streaming platforms and websites for publishing obscene content. In March 2024, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) blocked 18 streaming platforms and 57 social media accounts for violating various laws, including the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act and the Information Technology Act.

Additionally, under the 2021 IT Rules, streaming platforms are mandated to classify content based on age appropriateness and implement age-gating mechanisms to restrict children’s access to inappropriate material. Vaishnaw’s comments highlight the growing concern over digital content regulation in the country, with ongoing scrutiny of platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video over objectionable content.