NCW Calls for Stricter Rules to Curb Obscene Content on Social Media

NCW Demands Stricter Regulations

The National Commission for Women (NCW) is calling for stricter regulations on social media and OTT platforms to curb the growing spread of obscene content. With social media’s massive reach, explicit material often goes viral before platforms can take it down. While existing IT Rules 2021 require content moderation, enforcement has been inconsistent. Authorities have taken down some accounts and blocked websites, but NCW believes stronger safeguards are needed. Even the Delhi High Court has urged the government to introduce clearer guidelines to tackle this issue.

Social Media Platforms are Burning

Social media is under fire for not doing enough to filter inappropriate content. While platforms claim they’re improving moderation, explicit material still slips through. Authorities have cracked down on some offenders, but NCW insists that more needs to be done to prevent harmful content from spreading unchecked.

OTT Platforms Face Stricter Scrutiny

OTT platforms aren’t off the hook, either. The government introduced the Broadcasting Service Regulation Bill in November 2023, proposing that all OTT content be pre-certified through a Content Evaluation Committee (CEC) before release. Officials argue that self-regulation isn’t working, as some platforms continue pushing limits under the guise of creative freedom. While the entertainment industry fears over-regulation, authorities stress balancing creativity with responsibility.

Regulators have already taken action against OTT platforms, banning some and ordering others to remove explicit content. The Digital Publishers Content Grievances Council (DPCGC) recently directed a platform to take down objectionable scenes, and the Supreme Court has emphasized the need for stronger digital oversight.

Balancing Regulation and Creative Freedom

While NCW pushes for tighter control, industry bodies like the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and the News Broadcasters & Digital Association (NBDA) warn that excessive restrictions could lead to censorship. They argue that entertainment needs creative space, but regulators worry that inappropriate content will keep surfacing without clear rules.

The National Commission for Women’s demand has reignited the debate on where to draw the line between regulation and creative expression. Due to its vast reach, social media remains the primary concern, but OTT platforms are also under increasing scrutiny. Finding a middle ground is crucial to ensuring audience protection without stifling storytelling. Whether new regulations will be effective or lead to censorship remains to be seen.