Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw calls for stricter regulation of social media and OTT platforms

Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has emphasized the need for stricter laws to regulate vulgar content on social media and over-the-top (OTT) platforms. Addressing the Lok Sabha during the Question Hour on Wednesday, Vaishnaw responded to concerns raised by BJP MP Arun Govil from Meerut, who highlighted the negative impact of such content on moral values and culture.

Vaishnaw acknowledged the necessity for stronger regulations and urged the parliamentary standing committee to prioritize this issue. He called for a societal consensus to frame more stringent laws to address the unchecked spread of objectionable content.

Govil questioned the effectiveness of existing mechanisms to monitor and control vulgar content on social media and OTT platforms. He inquired if the government plans to enhance these laws, given their current inefficacy in curbing misuse. Vaishnaw responded by noting the absence of editorial checks that once filtered content. He highlighted the dual nature of social media as both a platform for press freedom and a source of unregulated expression, leading to the proliferation of vulgar content.

Minister Vaishnaw stressed the importance of strengthening current laws and developing a consensus to address the issue. He also mentioned the ongoing global debate regarding the regulation of content on foreign and OTT platforms. Vaishnaw proposed that the parliamentary standing committee should examine the cultural differences between India and the countries where these platforms originate, and work towards formulating stricter laws that hold these platforms accountable under Indian regulations.

In conclusion, Vaishnaw reiterated his appeal to the parliamentary standing committee to take up the issue and achieve a consensus in society for the creation of more stringent laws to regulate social media and OTT platforms effectively.