Centre Issues Advisory on OTT Platforms: Ethics Code Enforced After Vulgar Joke Row
India’s online entertainment scene is under the spotlight again! On Thursday, February 20, 2025, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting told OTT platforms to stick to the ethics code after a massive uproar over a vulgar joke on the now-removed YouTube show India’s Got Latent. This comes hot on the heels of the Supreme Court calling for tighter rules on online content. So, what’s the fuss about? Let’s break it down in simple terms!
The government wasted no time. On Thursday, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting issued a stern advisory. Senior advisor Kanchan Gupta shared on X that OTT platforms and their self-regulatory bodies must follow India’s laws and the Code of Ethics under the Information Technology (IT) Rules, 2021. The code says platforms can’t share anything illegal—like obscene or vulgar content—and must classify content by age to keep kids safe. The advisory came after complaints poured in from MPs, organizations, and the public about “obscene, pornographic, and vulgar” material online.
The trouble started when popular YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia appeared on comedian Samay Raina’s show India’s Got Latent. During the episode, he asked a contestant, “Would you rather watch your parents have sex every day for the rest of your life or join in once to make it stop forever?” Yikes! The crass joke didn’t land well with viewers—it triggered a nationwide debate about what’s okay to say online. The backlash was so intense that the show was pulled from YouTube, and Allahbadia quickly apologized, admitting, “It wasn’t even funny.”
The Supreme Court didn’t stay quiet. On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, while hearing Allahbadia’s plea to combine multiple FIRs filed against him, the court said, “There’s a need to do something.” They pointed out how YouTubers and OTT platforms often exploit the lack of strict rules online. With three FIRs already filed—one in Assam, one in Mumbai, and a new one in Jaipur on Monday—Allahbadia’s in hot water. Mumbai and Guwahati police even noted he’s been “out of contact,” adding fuel to the drama.
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This isn’t just about one bad joke—it’s a wake-up call. OTT platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and YouTube have exploded in India, giving us endless shows and videos. But with freedom comes responsibility. The IT Rules, rolled out in 2021, were meant to keep things in check with a three-tier system: self-regulation by platforms, oversight by industry bodies, and government action if needed. Yet, incidents like this show the rules aren’t always followed. The ministry’s notice is a reminder: clean up your act, or face the heat!
Allahbadia’s apology—“Comedy’s not my forte, I’m just here to say sorry”—might not be enough. With FIRs stacking up and the Supreme Court watching closely, the pressure’s on. Meanwhile, OTT platforms are now on notice to double-check their content. Will we see stricter laws soon? The court’s hinted it won’t let this slide, and the government’s ready to step in. For viewers, it’s a mixed bag—more rules could mean less edgy content, but also a safer online space.
