I&B Minister Says Governance Of Social Media, OTT Platforms Needs Tightening

Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, on Wednesday said existing laws governing social media and OTT platforms need to be strengthened.

"Editorial checks in traditional press played a crucial role in bringing accountability, which is missing in the era of social media. On one hand, social media has become a platform for freedom of press, but on the other hand, it has also become a space for uncontrolled expression, which often includes vulgar content," he said in a Parliamentary response while responding to a question on "vulgar" online content by BJP MP Arun Govil, who is best known for portraying Lord Rama in the Ramayan TV series.

There are differences between India and the geographies where these platforms originated, Vaishnaw said. "The cultural sensitivities of India vastly differ from those of the regions where these platforms were created. This makes it imperative for India to make existing laws more stricter and I urge everyone to arrive at a consensus," he said.

The third day of Parliamentary proceedings during the winter session was adjourned without completion as opposition members caused ruckus.