Obscenity, ill-mannerisms and the use of abusive language on OTT platforms will not be tolerated “in the name of creativity”, Union minister Anurag Thakur said on Sunday, adding that such complaints had increased a lot recently.
Addressing a press conference in Nagpur, Maharashtra, Thakur said that the Information and Broadcasting department, which he heads along with the Sports ministry, was taking it seriously, hinting at possible regulations for OTT platforms in the near future.
"As per the current procedure, producers have to address complaints about the content first and then they go to their association. When a complaint reaches the government (I&B department), strict action is taken as per rules," the minister said.
"If we have to do any changes, we will think about it seriously. Because freedom was given for creativity, not for vulgarity or foul language. When that limit is crossed, abusive words and obscenity won't be accepted in the name of creativity," he added.
Thakur also shared the presser on his Twitter handle, reiterating that the government was serious about the complaints and that the Information and Broadcasting ministry “will not back down” from taking strict action in that direction when needed.
Thakur also took a dig at Congress senior leader Rahul Gandhi at whose doorsteps Delhi Police arrived for questioning today, saying he should share information, not hide it if he is really serious about women's issues. The Delhi Police queried Gandhi's remark during the Bharat Jodo Yatra that "women are still being sexually assaulted".
"It has become a habit of some people to remain in the limelight by saying anything. But they don't understand the seriousness of the subject. If Rahulji is really serious about women's issues, then he should give the information. What is he hiding?... Was it a lie then or is he lying now, only he can tell," the minister said.
