Ashwini Vaishnaw Calls for Stricter Laws to Curb Vulgar Content on Social Media

New Delhi : Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has called for stricter laws to tackle the growing issue of vulgar and inappropriate content on social media platforms. Speaking in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, the Information and Broadcasting Minister emphasized the need to tighten existing regulations to curb the spread of harmful material online.

Vaishnaw’s comments came during the Question Hour, in response to a query from BJP MP Arun Govil about the government’s measures to address the illegal broadcast of vulgar content on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and OTT services. The Minister noted that the government should take steps to make laws more effective and to ensure these platforms are held accountable for the content shared by users.

Need for Stronger Measures: Vaishnaw pointed out that, in the past, editorial checks were in place to regulate content, but with the rise of social media, these controls have diminished. “Today, social media serves as a platform for the freedom of press, but it is largely uncontrolled, leading to the proliferation of vulgar content,” Vaishnaw said. He further added that the government must work towards creating a consensus on how to frame more stringent laws to tackle the issue.

Current Legal Framework: The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, under the Information Technology Act, 2000, already provide some safeguards. These regulations outline a code of ethics for online curated content (OTT platforms) and require platforms to implement measures to restrict age-inappropriate content. As per the IT Rules, platforms are expected to take “reasonable efforts” to prevent the posting of obscene, pornographic, or harmful content.

In a written reply, Vaishnaw revealed that the government had taken action by blocking 18 OTT platforms for publishing obscene and vulgar content. Additionally, platforms like YouTube and Facebook are required to ensure that users do not upload, share, or transmit harmful material, including content that is insulting, harassing, or harmful to children.

Calls for Stronger Action: While the current framework provides for certain obligations on intermediary platforms, Vaishnaw stressed that more needs to be done to effectively prevent the misuse of these digital platforms. The government, he said, is committed to working on stricter enforcement mechanisms to ensure a safer online environment for all users.

Vaishnaw’s remarks reflect growing concern over the unchecked spread of harmful content on digital platforms, and the government’s intent to strengthen its regulatory framework in response to rising public and political pressure.