The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) on December 12, 2025, notified regarding the mandatory safeguards on OTT Platforms to Protect Children from Age-Inappropriate Content.
The following has been stated namely: -
• The Government has emphasized that while freedom of speech under Article 19(1) is protected, safeguards are necessary to counter fake, false, and misleading information on digital platforms.
• The IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 prescribe a Code of Ethics for OTT platforms and digital news publishers, including age-based content classification, child safety measures, accuracy standards, and a three-tier grievance redressal mechanism, while ensuring self-regulation to protect press freedom.
• Intermediaries are also obligated to curb patently false information, supported by measures such as the PIB Fact Check Unit and blocking powers under Section 69A of the IT Act.
• Additionally, the Government is actively promoting the creator economy through initiatives like WAVES 2025, Create in India Challenges, WAVES Bazaar, and WAVES OTT, providing global exposure, monetisation opportunities, and support for regional and grassroots creators.
[Press release id: 2203034]
