Court Cracks Down on Obscene Content: Netflix, Prime Video, and AltBalaji Under Scrutiny

New Delhi(The Uttam Hindu): On April 28, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the Centre and major streaming platforms like Prime Video, Netflix, ALTT (Alt Balaji), Ullu, along with social media giants such as Google, Meta (Facebook), and Apple, urging them to take immediate steps to curb the spread of obscene content online.

The notice comes after a public interest litigation (PIL) highlighted concerns over inappropriate and explicit material being aired on digital platforms. The bench, led by Justices BR Gavai and AG Masih, recognized the gravity of the issue, calling for regulatory measures. The Solicitor General admitted that some of the content on these platforms is highly objectionable, and further regulations are being considered.

This development follows a controversy surrounding YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, whose viral clip from India's Got Latent in February, featuring a lewd remark to a contestant, ignited several legal cases. His channel was briefly suspended, but later reinstated after he claimed the suspension impacted his employees' livelihoods. In response, the Supreme Court had previously urged the government to take action on regulating such content. The Court's notice marks a significant step toward addressing the growing concern over explicit content on OTT platforms and social media, signaling a push for more stringent oversight.