By Shweta Jena
Media services on the internet, such as YouTube and Instagram, along with other OTT platforms come under no regulatory body or framework, promoting demands for mending the laws. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is looking into the preexisting statutory provisions and the requirement for new legal laws to oversee obscene and violent content shown on digital platforms.
In parliamentary panel discussions, the ministry put forward the growing concerns in society regarding the misuse of freedom of speech and expression in order to show obscene and violent content on digital media platforms. It discussed the growing necessity for stricter and more effective laws to control such content with BJP MP Nishikant Dubey who heads the Communication and Information Technology.
After the case of the social media influencer Ranveer Allahbadia and the tons of insensitive comments making the headlines, many Supreme and High courts, MPs, and bodies like the National Commission of Women came forward and spoke on these issues, urging for a need of reform in the legal framework guiding digital platforms.
The controversy and the number of criminal cases associated with Ranveer have led to considerations on the part of the Ministry to amend the existing laws for digital media spaces and stop exploiting the basic rights to freedom.
In light of the rise of new media platforms and technology, the committee questioned the ministry on February 13 on the changes that should be made to the current legislation to crack down on contentious material.
The Ministry told the committee that it has taken note of the changing developments and will look into the creation of a new framework. It will also submit a detailed note after due consideration.