Centre issues warning to social media platforms over obscene and vulgar content

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued a stern warning to social media platforms and online intermediaries regarding the presence of obscene, vulgar, and illegal content. In an advisory released on December 29, 2025, the Centre emphasized the need for immediate action to remove such content or face severe repercussions. The advisory highlights that social media companies must thoroughly review their compliance frameworks and take decisive steps against any unlawful material found on their platforms. Authorities have made it clear that failure to address these issues could result in legal prosecution in accordance with existing laws. In its communication, the government reminded these platforms of their responsibilities under the Information Technology Act and IT Rules, 2021. They are required to ensure that users do not upload, display, or share any content that is deemed obscene, pornographic, or harmful to children. The advisory specifically pointed out that intermediaries have a statutory obligation under Section 79 of the IT Act to exercise due diligence. This is crucial for maintaining their exemption from liability for third-party content. Furthermore, the Centre reiterated that non-compliance could lead to serious legal consequences for the platforms and their users. MeitY urged intermediaries to promptly remove or restrict access to unlawful content upon receiving notifications from the government or authorized entities. This action must be taken within the timelines set by the IT Rules, 2021. The government stated that it has received numerous complaints from the public, stakeholders, and judicial bodies regarding content that violates standards of decency. These issues have sparked discussions in Parliament and have led to referrals to law enforcement for further action. The government's advisory aims to enhance accountability among social media platforms and ensure that they adhere to legal standards regarding content moderation.