The Union Government has revealed that over 50 over-the-top (OTT) platforms have been blocked in India during the past two years as part of intensified measures to ensure a safe online environment for children. Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday that digital addiction among youth has emerged as a significant public health concern, prompting a multi-pronged approach involving legal, regulatory, and awareness initiatives.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, the government’s strategy is centered on fostering an “open, safe, trusted and accountable” internet for all users. The existing legal framework, including the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, mandates intermediaries to exercise due diligence and prevent the dissemination of content harmful to children or illegal in nature.
Recent amendments to the IT Rules now require social media platforms and other intermediaries to expedite the removal of unlawful content. These platforms must comply within three hours of receiving an order from a competent court or a directive from an authorized government agency. This swift action is crucial in curbing the spread of potentially damaging material accessible to young audiences.
The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, further bolsters children’s online privacy. This legislation mandates parental consent for the processing of personal data belonging to children and explicitly prohibits tracking, behavioral monitoring, and targeted advertising directed at minors. These provisions aim to protect children from exploitation and undue influence in the digital space.
Further addressing concerns related to online activities, the minister cited the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. This act is described as a key measure to combat digital addiction and mitigate financial risks that young users may encounter through online gaming platforms.
Information available with The Chenab Times indicates that the government’s concern is underscored by the Economic Survey 2025–26. The survey highlighted digital addiction as a substantial public health issue, particularly impacting individuals aged 15 to 29. The adverse effects identified include detrimental impacts on cognitive development, academic performance, workplace productivity, social interactions, and overall mental health. The survey also drew links between excessive digital engagement and issues such as anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, cyberbullying, and financial losses stemming from compulsive gaming, overuse of social media, and online gambling.
The blocking of 50 OTT platforms over the last two years is attributed to allegations of displaying obscene content and contravening provisions of the Information Technology Act, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act. These actions demonstrate a firm stance against platforms that violate established legal and ethical standards.
In parallel with regulatory measures, the government is actively engaged in awareness campaigns. The Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA) project has organized 6,650 workshops nationwide, reaching more than 11.37 lakh participants. These workshops have targeted students, teachers, law enforcement personnel, government officials, and the general public, aiming to foster greater understanding of online safety practices.
Additional initiatives include the Ministry of Education’s PRAGYATA Guidelines and cyber safety programs developed by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). These programs are designed to instill responsible digital behavior among young learners. Furthermore, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) continuously issues online safety advisories and awareness materials to safeguard internet users, especially children, from emerging online threats.
The Chenab Times News Desk