The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued a firm directive to major online platforms and social media companies, instructing them to refrain from hosting obscene, vulgar, or pornographic content. The advisory, sent on December 30, 2025, calls for "greater rigour" in adhering to Indian laws concerning decency and obscenity.
Immediate Review of Compliance Frameworks Ordered
In a significant move, the ministry has mandated that these intermediaries conduct an immediate review of their internal compliance frameworks. This directive extends to their content moderation practices and user enforcement mechanisms. The goal is to ensure continuous and strict adherence to legal provisions designed to maintain a safe digital ecosystem.
The advisory from MeitY highlighted growing concerns. It stated that certain categories of content circulating on these platforms may violate laws related to decency. This has raised alarms among various sections of society about the responsible use of digital spaces and the need to balance freedom of expression with constitutional safeguards.
Defining the Scope of Prohibited Content
The government's instructions are clear and broad. Platforms are ordered not to permit the hosting, display, upload, publication, or transmission of any content deemed obscene, pornographic, vulgar, indecent, sexually explicit, or paedophilic. The advisory also includes any other material prohibited under Indian law, particularly content harmful to children.
MeitY emphasized the necessity for greater consistency and diligence from intermediaries. They are expected to proactively identify, report, and expedite the removal of such unlawful content. This move signals a tightening of the government's oversight on digital content, pushing companies to bolster their self-regulation mechanisms.
Broader Context and Potential Rule Changes
This advisory does not exist in a vacuum. As reported earlier by The Indian Express, the government has been considering amendments to the Information Technology (IT) Rules, 2021. The proposed changes aim to curb the spread of "obscene" content on video-based digital news outlets and video-on-demand platforms.
The potential amendments could have a wide-ranging impact. The term "obscene" might be interpreted broadly to potentially disallow content containing defamatory statements, so-called "half-truths," expressions of "anti-national attitudes," or material that "criticises" aspects of the country's social, public, and moral life. This latest advisory is seen as a precursor or parallel action to those potential regulatory changes, putting platforms on notice.
The government's action underscores its ongoing effort to shape the narrative and content standards on Indian digital platforms, balancing user safety and national sensibilities with the principles of free speech.
