In response to concerns over abusive and vulgar content on social media and OTT platforms, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told Parliament that existing laws need strengthening. He attributed the problem to cultural differences between India and Western countries, where these platforms originate. Vaishnaw emphasized that the lack of an "editorial check" on content, which previously ensured proper oversight, is a key factor contributing to the spread of inappropriate material. He stated that while social media offers freedom of the press, the absence of editorial control allows vulgar content to flourish.

The Minister's comments came after BJP MP Arun Govil, famous for his role as Lord Ram in the TV series Ramayan, raised concerns about content that does not align with Indian culture. He suggested the creation of a government watchdog to monitor online material. This follows previous statements by Deputy Minister L Murugan, who confirmed that the government is drafting new regulations to govern OTT content, particularly targeting non-self-regulating providers.

The government's efforts to control online content are not new. In March, the Ministry blocked 18 OTT apps for airing "obscene" and "vulgar" content, particularly material that demeaned women. The regulation of online content has been a hot topic for years, with previous controversies, such as the Netflix series on the 1999 Indian Airlines hijacking, fueling protests over content deemed offensive. The government's push for stronger oversight continues amid ongoing debates about what constitutes "vulgar" content and the role of cultural sensitivities in regulating online platforms.