Government’s double action on fake news and OTT content, 15 OTT platforms under investigation, will new rules be imposed?

The government’s stance regarding digital content in India seems to be becoming more strict. According to the recent report of the Standing Committee of Parliament, about 10 to 15 OTT platforms are currently under investigation, which are accused of showing objectionable and illegal content.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) told the committee that initially 25 OTT platforms were blocked, and later action was taken on 18 more platforms. Apart from this, the process of investigation and blocking is going on continuously.

Action has already been taken on these platforms
In February, the government had blocked platforms like MoodXVIP, Koyal Playpro, Digi Movieplex, Feel and Jugnu. He was accused of streaming obscene and objectionable content, which was considered a violation of IT Rules 2021. Earlier in 2025 also, in a major action, many apps like ULLU and ALTT were banned.

Questions raised regarding regulation
The parliamentary committee also said in its report that there are many flaws in the existing rules for OTT and online media. The committee suggested that a strong and structured regulatory framework should be created for digital content, so that such matters can be better controlled.

Government is also strict on fake content
The functioning of PIB’s Fact Check Unit (FCU) was also reviewed in the report. According to the government, during the ‘intensive operation’ this unit has blocked about 1,400 URLs, which were spreading fake or misleading information.

The case reached the Supreme Court
On March 10, 2026, a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court of India, headed by Surya Kant, agreed to hear the case. This matter is related to the decision of Bombay High Court, in which the Fact Check Unit of PIB was cancelled. However, the Supreme Court refused to stay this decision.

What tips to deal with fake news?

The committee said that fake news spreads rapidly during major events – such as political events, military action or protests.

Suggestions to deal with this:

• Excessive use of AI tools
• recruitment of more staff
• Involvement of experts in regional languages.

Surveillance on OTT platforms and digital content is continuously increasing in India. On one hand, the government is taking action against objectionable content, while on the other hand, it is also looking for new measures to deal with fake news. In the coming time, the rules for OTT platforms may become more strict.