The Madras High Court has issued a notice to the Central Government regarding a petition that calls for immediate action to regulate and oversee movies, web series, serials, and other content available on OTT platforms.

The plea seeks to ensure that these programs are managed in accordance with the existing censorship guidelines.

The bench, comprising Justice R. Subramanian and Justice Victoria Gowri, has issued notices to several authorities, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, the Ministry of Information Technology, the Central Board of Film Certification, the Home Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Government, and the Director General of Police.

The petitioner, Advocate Adhisivam, contended that the absence of censorship on OTT platforms has led to the airing of movies, web series, and serials featuring violence, drug abuse, obscene language, scenes depicting crimes against women and children, separatist content, anti-national perspectives, and material promoting extremist ideologies.

He argued that creators of web series often distort historical narratives for political advantage, depicting extreme violence and nudity without any censorship. Additionally, he claimed that OTT platforms restrict films that emphasize nationalism, hindering the portrayal of themes related to the integrity and unity of India.

Adhisivam further submitted that youth consuming content on OTT platforms may develop significant mental and psychological issues due to the spread of harmful ideas. He emphasized that the convenience of these platforms promotes extended screen time, which contributes to a sedentary lifestyle among young viewers.

He noted that the lack of physical activity associated with excessive OTT consumption has been linked to numerous health issues, including obesity, cardiovascular problems, and muscular disorders. Furthermore, Adhisivam highlighted that prolonged engagement with OTT content can diminish face-to-face interactions, adversely affecting the development of strong interpersonal skills.

He warned that the lack of censorship and control over cinema, web series, and serials on OTT platforms poses a threat to the nation and the future of the younger generation. He argued that without stringent content regulation, youth are at risk of being exposed to age-inappropriate material, which could adversely affect their psychological development.