Union Minister Pralhad Joshi On 'Unregulated' Content On OTT: 'Concerned Ministry Will Take Action'

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Sunday stated that the Union government shares the concerns raised by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat regarding the 'lack of control' over content on over-the-top (OTT) platforms, and assured that the relevant ministry would take appropriate action.

The minister noted that the issue of 'unregulated' content on OTT platforms is a global concern, and confirmed that the relevant ministry is already examining the matter, as reported by news agency ANI.

Photo Credit: PTI

"We completely agree with that. This is a worldwide problem. The government will always think about that, and the concerned ministry will take action. We are already working on all such things that we receive. As far as I know, the government is already examining that," said Joshi, who serves as the Minister for New and Renewable Energy.

What did Bhagwat say?

During his annual Vijayadashami address in Nagpur on Saturday, Bhagwat expressed concern that children and young people are being 'negatively' influenced by 'unregulated' content on OTT platforms.

He claimed that such content is spreading 'distorted propaganda' and 'poor values,' which is having a detrimental impact on young minds.

"The distorted propaganda and poor values spread by various systems and institutions are negatively affecting the minds, words, and deeds of the younger generation in Bharat," Bhagwat remarked.

"The content is so disgusting that even mentioning it would be a violation of decency. There seems to be an urgent need for legal monitoring over advertisements and perverted visual content in our homes and society," Bhagwat added.

He further raised concerns about such content becoming easily accessible to children, pointing out that "mobile phones have now reached the hands of children as well."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged people to listen to Bhagwat's speech, stating, "This resolve and dedication for Maa Bharati will inspire every generation of the country and will also fill new energy in realising 'Developed India'. Today, on the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami, one must definitely listen to the speech of Honorable Sarsanghchalak Shri Mohan Bhagwat ji," he said, congratulating the RSS as it approaches its centenary year.