Archive · 27 Jan 2026
Draft Rules on Online Obscenity
The Indian government is working on new rules to control inappropriate content online.
These rules, called the IT (Digital Code) Rules, 2026, will classify all digital content by age suitability, such as 'U' for all ages or 'adult-only'.
The rules list what content is not allowed, like anything offensive, violent, or that disrespects women, children, or people with disabilities.
Content will have to show a rating and a description at the start.
Some people are worried that these rules might cause too many complaints and create uncertainty for content creators.
The government says they are following the court's directions and will share the draft for public feedback once it's ready.
The Indian government is drafting the IT (Digital Code) Rules, 2026 to address obscenity in online content and classify digital content by age suitability.
The rules propose that digital content should not contain offensive, violent, or disrespectful material, including anything that denigrates women, children, or people with disabilities.
All digital content must display a prominent content descriptor and age rating at the beginning, with parental controls for content rated U/A 13+ or higher and age verification for adult-only content.
The draft rules have raised concerns among content curators about potential arbitrary complaints and regulatory uncertainty, as the rules seem to apply broadcast-era standards to on-demand digital platforms.
The Information and Broadcasting Ministry is preparing the draft code as per the Supreme Court's directions, which will be shared for public consultation once finalized.
- Who
- The Indian government, specifically the Information and Broadcasting Ministry
- What
- Drafting rules to address obscenity in online content and classify digital content by age suitability
- When
- The draft rules are currently being prepared, with a Supreme Court hearing scheduled for January 29
- Where
- India
- Why
- To safeguard free speech under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution while ensuring reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2), in response to public backlash against social media influencers
- Draft Rules
- IT (Digital Code) Rules, 2026
- Legal Basis
- Section 87 (1) of the IT Act, 2000
- Age Classification
- U, 7+, 13+, 16+, adult-only, and professional categories
- Content Descriptors
- Prominent content descriptor and age rating at the beginning
- Parental Controls
- Required for content rated U/A 13+ or higher
- Age Verification
- Required for adult-only content
- Public Consultation
- Draft code to be shared for public consultation once finalized
- Concerns Raised
- Potential arbitrary and widespread complaints, regulatory uncertainty
