Government Tightens Grip on Fake News Across Media Platforms; 43 OTT Platforms Blocked for Misinformation and Inappropriate Content

Cracking down on digital deception, the government blocks 43 OTT platforms and reinforces journalistic standards across print, TV, and online media.

New Delhi, July 31: In a decisive move to curb the spread of fake news, defamatory material, and inappropriate content, the Government of India has taken stringent action across print, television, and digital platforms, including the blocking of 43 Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms after inter-ministerial consultations. The initiative is part of a broader national effort to enforce accountability and ensure ethical standards in the media ecosystem.

The measures were disclosed by Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr L. Murugan in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. He emphasized the government’s “sovereign duty” to counter misinformation and protect public order, national integrity, and democratic discourse.

Legal Framework Spanning Media Sectors

The government highlighted a tri-layered framework that underpins its efforts across different media formats:

• Print Media: Newspapers are governed by the Norms of Journalistic Conduct formulated by the Press Council of India (PCI). These norms prohibit the publication of fake, misleading, or defamatory news. The PCI is empowered under Section 14 of its Act to warn, admonish, or censure publications, editors, or journalists for violations.
• Television Channels: Broadcast content must adhere to the Programme Code under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995. The 2021 amendment introduced a three-tier grievance redressal system. Content deemed obscene, defamatory, or misleading is subject to regulatory scrutiny, with appropriate actions taken on violations.
• Digital Media and OTT Platforms: The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 govern online news publishers and OTT platforms. Part III of the rules outlines a Code of Ethics, including requirements for age-based content classification and access control for age-inappropriate material. Platforms are barred from transmitting any content prohibited by law.

The Minister informed Parliament that OTT platforms have been specifically advised, through a government advisory dated 19 February 2025, to comply with Indian laws and the ethical code while hosting content.

Action Against OTT Platforms

Following the advisory and in consultation with concerned ministries, the government has so far blocked 43 OTT platforms for allegedly spreading fake news, misinformation, and hosting content deemed inappropriate or unlawful.

These platforms were found to be in violation of various provisions under the IT Act, 2000, and the 2021 IT Rules. The Government exercised its authority under Section 69A of the IT Act, which permits blocking of information in the interest of sovereignty, state security, or public order.

Role of Fact Check Unit (FCU)

To bolster fact-based public communication, the Fact Check Unit (FCU) under the Press Information Bureau (PIB) was established in November 2019. The unit verifies news related to the Central Government and shares corrected information through official social media channels, countering the spread of false narratives.

A Coordinated National Response

The government’s approach reflects a coordinated regulatory response to the evolving media landscape and its associated challenges. By enforcing compliance across platforms and formats, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting aims to uphold journalistic integrity and safeguard the public from harmful or misleading content.

With misinformation becoming a global concern, India’s multi-tiered strategy could serve as a model for balancing media freedom with social responsibility.