Enact stringent laws to prevent the proliferation of perversion on OTT : Uday Mahurkar, Save Culture Save Bharat Foundation

Demand to establish a code of ethics for OTT

(OTT platforms provide entertainment programmes such as movies, web series, etc.)

Mumbai – “A recent study has identified readily available sexual content as a key contributor to the increase in rape and sexual assault cases. Keeping this in mind, a comprehensive ban on such content should be imposed to prevent the proliferation of such sexual, perverted, and immoral content on OTT platforms. A robust code of ethics should be established for all OTT platforms, and the Act should also include provisions for imprisonment. Characterising such material as anti-national, its production should be treated as a cognisable and non-bailable offence and the burden of proof should be placed on the accused,” demanded Mr Uday Mahurkar, founder of Save Culture Save Bharat Foundation and former Central RTI Commissioner. He was speaking at a press conference held at Press Club in Mumbai on 24th February. On this occasion, Swati Goyal Sharma, prominent journalist, and co-founder of ‘Gems of Bollywood’ and Mr Ramesh Shinde, National Spokesperson of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti were also present.

The programme was held on 25th February in Mumbai to highlight the menace of perverted content on OTT and in films

An event was organised to raise public awareness regarding the proliferation of obscenity on OTT platforms. The theme of the event was “OTT and perversion in the film world – the main cause of increasing rapes”.

Mr Uday Mahurkar stated

1. Considering the recent alarming incidents of rape that have shaken the nation, our collective efforts have intensified to identify the underlying causes. We, along with like-minded organisations, are stepping up our efforts to deal with this.

2. Alarmingly, perpetrators involved in rape cases have confessed to being influenced by readily available sexual content, particularly pornography accessible on their smartphones.

3. To promptly address this issue, like-minded organisations have strongly advocated for amending the Information Technology Act to enable the classification and regulation of such objectionable content.

4. The time has come for India to assert its cultural sovereignty and safeguard its traditional values.

5. By curbing the dissemination of sexually perverse material, we can safeguard the moral fabric of our nation and realise our vision of a culturally enriched India.

Everyone must unite to fight the menace posed by sexually perverted content – Swati Goyal Sharma, Co-Founder, Gems of Bollywood

The proliferation of sexually perverted material not only erodes our cultural values but also instigates social unrest. We must unite to counter this escalating threat and uphold the dignity of our communities. ‘Gems of Bollywood’ has recently published a comprehensive white paper titled “OTT Objectionable Content Research,” shedding light on the prevalence of objectionable content across prominent OTT platforms. This research serves to safeguard India’s cultural integrity while emphasising the pressing need for collaborative efforts to safeguard the well-being of women and children.

Objectionable content that undermines the sanctity of Indian culture must be opposed – Mr Ramesh Shinde, National Spokesperson, Hindu Janajagruti Samiti

Our organisation stands firm in its resolve to uphold traditional values and oppose the proliferation of objectionable content that undermines the sanctity of Indian culture. We urge policymakers and stakeholders to join this important effort.