Curbing OTT Chaos: India Strikes Balance Between Censorship and Creativity
The Indian government is walking a tightrope, balancing the need to regulate obscene content on Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms with the equally important imperative of protecting creative freedom. This delicate balancing act is playing out against a backdrop of increasing concerns about the content available on these platforms.
To foster growth in the burgeoning AVGC-XR sector (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality), the government has announced the establishment of the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT). This initiative, backed by a substantial Rs 392.85 crore investment, aims to nurture talent and innovation within this rapidly expanding field.
The IICT will collaborate with leading technology companies, leveraging their expertise and resources to build a robust ecosystem. This collaboration is expected to significantly boost the sector’s potential and create numerous job opportunities.
However, the government’s commitment to curbing inappropriate content remains firm. As of today, August 6, 2025, 43 OTT platforms have been blocked for violating content guidelines. This decisive action underlines the government’s resolve to ensure responsible content creation and distribution.
This dual approach – promoting innovation while simultaneously addressing concerns about inappropriate content – is crucial for the future of India’s digital media landscape. The success of this strategy will not only determine the health of the AVGC-XR sector but also shape the nation’s cultural identity in the digital age. The long-term impact on both the creative industries and the viewing public will be closely watched.
