In the sake of innovation, I'll take harsh measures to curb profanity on OTT: Anurag Thakur

Anurag Thakur, minister of information and broadcasting, took a harsh stance on complaints about material on OTT platforms on Sunday, saying that profanity and abusive language were not acceptable in the name of innovation.

Speaking at a news conference at this location, Thakur said that the government has taken complaints of profanity and harsh language in content on OTT platforms seriously and would not think twice about taking severe steps to reverse this trend.

"These platforms were given freedom for creativity and not for obscenity and when one surpasses the boundary, then throwing obscenities in the name of creativity cannot be acceptable at all," Thakur remarked.

"The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting will not hesitate to modify the regulations if necessary. To put an end to vulgarity and offensive language, drastic measures must be taken "declared the minister.

In January, Thakur had pushed for creative liberty and stated appropriate measures were in place to regulate material on OTT platforms.

"The freedom to be creative should not be restricted. But, there shouldn't be so much that nothing can be shown. We have ample supplies on hand, and they are now functioning well "On January 15, Thakur made a statement while taking part in the 75th anniversary festivities of the RSS mouthpiece, "Panchajanya" weekly.

Thakur said on Sunday that there is a three-stage process for handling material on OTT services. "According to the present protocol, producers must resolve content objections before contacting their organisation. If a complaint is received by the government's I&B department, full compliance with the law is required "explained he.