sc-to-hear-plea-on-prohibiting-explicit-content-on-platforms

The Supreme Court is set to hear a petition on Monday, asking the government to take action to stop sexually explicit content from being streamed on OTT platforms and social media.

The petition calls for the creation of a National Content Control Authority to set guidelines to stop this type of content from appearing on these platforms.  

The case is scheduled to be heard by Justices BR Gavai and Augustine George Masih. The petition claims that some social media pages and profiles are spreading pornographic content without any filters, and some OTT platforms are streaming content that could even involve child pornography.

The petition argues that such explicit material negatively affects the minds of young people, children, and adults, leading to unhealthy sexual behaviour and a rise in crime. It warns that if this issue is not controlled, the spread of obscene material could harm societal values, mental health, and public safety.

 

 

The petitioners say they have tried to get authorities to address the problem but haven’t had success. They argue that the government has a duty to protect public morality, vulnerable groups, and ensure that the internet does not encourage deviant behaviour.

The petition highlights how affordable internet access has made explicit content easily available to people of all ages without proper checks.

It asks the Supreme Court to direct the government to block access to social media and OTT platforms until they create systems to ensure that pornographic content is inaccessible, especially to children.

The petition also requests the court to form a committee, led by a retired Supreme Court judge, with experts to review and approve content on OTT platforms and social media. This would be similar to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) system, until a law is passed to regulate this content.

Additionally, the petition urges the creation of a committee of recognized psychologists and other experts to study the negative effects of explicit content on those who consume it, and its impact on society. The committee would be asked to submit a report on their findings.

 

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