The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has issued an advisory to Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms, urging them to avoid the glamorization of drug use in their content. The advisory highlights concerns over portrayals of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, which may have a negative impact, particularly on younger viewers.
The MIB referenced the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, which mandate content publishers to comply with laws and court orders, including the prohibition of drug-related content. The Ministry has called for stricter classification of content featuring drugs, alcohol, and tobacco to prevent such content from being accessible to younger audiences.
The advisory also emphasizes the need to avoid making drug use appear fashionable or socially acceptable. It also reminds platforms of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, which criminalizes the promotion of substances like cannabis, cocaine, and poppy.
OTT platforms are encouraged to include warnings on content featuring drug use and to contribute to public health efforts by producing educational material on the dangers of substance abuse.
The advisory stresses that failure to adhere to these guidelines could lead to stricter regulations, with increased scrutiny under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the NDPS Act, 1985. The Ministry’s call for responsibility in content creation comes ahead of a Parliamentary Committee meeting on December 20 to discuss OTT content regulation.
