Supreme Court Puts Social Media, OTT Platforms on Notice Over Obscene Content

The Supreme Court of India has taken a serious view of the rising concerns around obscene content on social media and OTT platforms. On Monday, April 28, the court issued notices to the Centre, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and several other major digital platforms, along with popular OTT services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Ullu, and ALTT.

Supreme Court Takes Action on Obscene Content Across Digital Platforms

The action comes in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking strict steps to curb the streaming and sharing of sexually explicit material online. According to the court, the issue raises an “important concern,” It made its stance clear by stating, “You should do something about this.”

Also Read: No Ban on Social Media for Kids Under 13, Says Supreme Court

Petitioners Demand Stronger Regulations and Parental Controls

The petitioners have argued that the lack of regulation has turned social media platforms into easy spaces for the circulation of obscene and explicit content. They warned that unrestricted access, especially among minors, could seriously harm mental health, encourage deviant behaviour, and erode societal values. The plea claims that despite numerous complaints, there has been no effective action by the authorities to control the situation.

A major part of the concern centres on how easily sexually explicit material can be accessed through social media without any meaningful filters or parental controls. Petitioners argue that online platforms fail to safeguard young audiences and vulnerable groups. They have requested the court to consider a temporary suspension of access to social media sites, if necessary until better monitoring and content-blocking mechanisms are established.

Proposed Solutions Include Content Screening Authority and Mental Health Assessment

The petition also highlighted that certain OTT platforms are broadcasting content that allegedly borders on child pornography. While OTT services like Netflix and Amazon Prime are under scrutiny, the focus remains on the rapid and unchecked spread of harmful material via social media, where content often goes viral within minutes.

In their proposed solutions, the petitioners have asked to form a National Content Control Authority to oversee online material. They suggested setting up two special committees: one, headed by a retired Supreme Court judge, would screen and certify online content, much like the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) does for films; the other, consisting of mental health professionals, would study the societal impact of exposure to explicit content.

With the Supreme Court now actively engaging with the matter and calling top social media and OTT players into the conversation, the debate around digital content regulation in India has clearly reached a crucial point. More developments are expected in the coming days.