“Freedom of Expression Matters, But So Does Regulation,” says Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in Lok Sabha

New Delhi– The Union Government has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding creative freedom while ensuring responsible digital content dissemination through a structured regulatory framework. In a detailed statement presented in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the balance between freedom of expression and the need to regulate harmful content on OTT platforms under the Information Technology Rules, 2021.

The IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, notified on February 25, 2021, under the IT Act, 2000, mandate that OTT platforms and digital news publishers adhere to a Code of Ethics. These platforms are prohibited from publishing content that violates prevailing laws. A three-tier grievance redressal system has been implemented to manage user complaints. The first level involves self-regulation by publishers, the second consists of self-regulating bodies, and the third is an oversight mechanism by the Central Government. Complaints received by the Ministry are forwarded to OTT platforms for resolution under the rules. Based on inter-ministerial consultations, the Government has taken action against 43 OTT platforms found to be hosting obscene content.

To support consistent and effective public messaging, the Central Bureau of Communication continues to issue advertisements across various media including print, television, radio, digital platforms, and outdoor displays. The ministry has established comprehensive guidelines for all formats of government communication, which are publicly accessible on the CBC website.

The Government has also announced major developments in promoting the AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality) sector. This sector is now recognized as a cornerstone of India’s creative economy. Following recommendations by the National AVGC-XR Task Force, the Government has undertaken strategic steps to position India as a global hub for media and entertainment.

One of the key milestones in this initiative was the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit 2025, held in Mumbai from May 1 to 4. The event witnessed over one lakh global participants and featured India’s first ‘Create in India Challenge’ to identify next-generation talent across animation, gaming, music, AR/VR, and more. Other highlights included the WAVES Bazaar and WaveX accelerator, which provided market access and mentorship opportunities for emerging creators. The summit also offered masterclasses in storytelling, artificial intelligence, and XR content creation.

In a major institutional push, the Government has launched the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT), modeled on the lines of IITs and IIMs. With an investment of Rs. 392.85 crore, IICT is set to become a premier institution for creative technologies in India. It offers an industry-driven curriculum and has entered into academic partnerships with global tech leaders such as Google, Meta, Microsoft, NVIDIA, Adobe, Apple, and WPP.

IICT will initially offer four courses in Gaming, four in Post Production, and nine in Animation, Comics, and XR. The institute will provide cutting-edge training to professionals and educators, aiming to develop a world-class skilled workforce in the AVGC-XR domain. Further details about the institute and its offerings are available at https://theiict.in.

This wide-ranging update reflects the Government’s dual focus on protecting digital rights and encouraging growth in India’s fast-expanding digital and creative industries.