The Digital Publisher Content Grievances Council (DPCGC), a self-regulatory body for online streaming platforms, has taken a significant step by recommending action against an OTT platform called ULLU. The DPCGC, led by retired Supreme Court Judge Justice A K Sikri, expressed serious concerns about the explicit and objectionable content being streamed on ULLU. They ordered the platform to remove such content within 15 days.
This decision came after a complaint by Satish Waghela, who raised objections to the explicit nature of certain web series on ULLU. Waghela argued that the content violated the country’s laws and the IT Rules of 2021. Initially, Waghela approached ULLU directly but was unsatisfied with their response, so he escalated the matter to the DPCGC for intervention. ULLU, in their response, denied the allegations and claimed that their content is a matter of individual expression.
The DPCGC reprimanded ULLU and advised them to either remove the objectionable web series or make suitable edits to comply with the IT Rules. This development aligns with the Indian government’s focus on holding OTT platforms responsible for preventing the spread of vulgar and abusive content disguised as creative expression. The Information and Broadcasting Minister, Anurag Thakur, emphasized the government’s seriousness about complaints regarding offensive content on OTT platforms. The Delhi High Court’s criticism of a web series called ‘College Romance’ further prompted the government to consider monitoring and regulating the language used on such platforms.
The DPCGC’s recommendation for punitive action against ULLU is a significant milestone in content regulation for OTT platforms. It highlights the changing landscape of digital media governance and the importance for platforms to adhere to established guidelines and regulations.
But it is also very important for big platforms. There may be chances that big platforms also come under the same radar due to abusive language and vulgar scenes. If you remember then Netflix’s Rana Naidu fell into the same category.
But, let’s see what happens.