MIB issues advisory to OTT platforms, digital news publishers on content compliance

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) has issued a fresh advisory to over-the-top (OTT) platforms, digital news publishers and intermediaries, reiterating the need for strict compliance with the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the rules framed under it.

In an advisory dated November 2, 2026, the ministry flagged instances of non-compliance with the statutory provisions by digital news publishers and OTT platforms and outlined a series of measures aimed at improving content verification, editorial oversight and responsible dissemination of information across online platforms.

The advisory, addressed to all publishers of online curated content, publishers of news and current affairs content on online platforms, and intermediaries, identifies nine areas requiring particular attention. These include the use of archival and misleading visuals, coverage of anti-terrorist operations, depiction of violence and crime, reporting on disasters, use of maps, communal harmony, protection of sexual offence survivors, and the growing use of artificial intelligence-generated content.

The ministry has advised digital news publishers to exercise greater caution while using old or archival photographs and videos in coverage of current events. It noted that unrelated or previously recorded footage available in the public domain has, in some instances, been circulated in a misleading manner as visuals from recent events of public interest.

Such practices, the ministry said, could create false impressions among audiences and contribute to the spread of misinformation.

As a best practice, digital news publishers have been advised to include the original date, location and context of visuals before publishing them online. Where photographs or videos are sourced externally, including from social media platforms, publishers have been advised to disclose the source along with the timestamp.

Restrictions on coverage of anti-terror operations

The advisory also reiterates the need for caution in reporting on anti-terrorist operations conducted by security forces.

The ministry has discouraged live coverage of such operations and advised digital news publishers against real-time disclosure of specific tactical positions, deployment or movement of security personnel, access routes and other operational details.

The concern, according to the advisory, is that disclosure of such information could compromise an ongoing operation or endanger lives.

Instead, publishers have been advised to rely on periodic briefings by authorised officers and report lawful information until the operation concludes. The use of date- and time-stamped visuals has also been encouraged to prevent previously recorded footage from being misrepresented as live coverage.

Greater editorial scrutiny of violent and disturbing content

The ministry has called on OTT platforms and digital news publishers to exercise editorial discretion when publishing violent, graphic or disturbing visuals.

It has suggested the use of appropriate blurring and masking techniques wherever warranted, alongside the use of date- and time-stamped visuals where necessary.

The advisory also specifically addresses the depiction of crime and violence, stating that visuals used in such coverage should be based on verified facts and truth.

Publishers have been cautioned against using headlines, thumbnails and captions that materially misrepresent the reported event. The ministry has also called for greater due diligence and sensitivity in content involving women and children.

For coverage of natural calamities, disasters, major accidents and other incidents, the ministry has encouraged publishers to report only verified facts and use appropriately timestamped visuals to prevent unnecessary panic among audiences.

Authentic maps and responsible coverage of communities

The advisory has also addressed the use of maps in digital content, advising OTT platforms and digital news publishers to use only authentic maps of India as published by the Survey of India.

On the coverage of religious, linguistic and other communities, the ministry has called for due caution and editorial discretion, particularly in the presentation of quotations, visuals, translations and allegations.

It has advised publishers to ensure that such material is presented in its proper context and that applicable laws relating to incitement to violence and the unlawful promotion of enmity are followed.

Strict protection of sexual offence survivors' identities

Reiterating existing statutory and judicial safeguards, the ministry has directed OTT platforms and digital news publishers to comply with applicable legal protections and Supreme Court directions prohibiting the disclosure of the identities of victims of sexual offences.

The advisory specifically refers to directions issued in Writ Petition No. 565 of 2012, Nipun Saxena & Another v. Union of India & Others.

It makes clear that publishers must refrain from disclosing not only the direct identity of survivors but also indirect identifying details. These include photographs, family details, locality information, remote facts and other particulars that could potentially lead to the identification of a victim, except where expressly permitted by law or a court order.

AI-generated content comes under sharper scrutiny

The growing use of artificial intelligence and synthetically generated content is another key focus area in the advisory.

The ministry has advised digital news publishers to take reasonable steps to verify AI-generated or materially altered photographs, videos and audio recordings.

Publishers have also been asked to make appropriate disclosures when synthetic content is presented in connection with actual persons or events, while taking steps to prevent such material from being misleadingly represented as authentic news footage or statements.

The advisory further draws attention to the responsibilities of intermediaries under Section 79 of the Information Technology Act, 2000, and Part II of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.

Intermediaries have been advised to ensure compliance with applicable due diligence and other obligations under Rules 3, 4 and 5. Particular attention has been drawn to provisions concerning synthetically generated information under Rules 3(3) and 4(1A), as applicable.

Platforms asked to strengthen editorial and review mechanisms

Beyond individual content categories, the ministry has called on OTT platforms and digital news publishers to strengthen their internal editorial and content-review mechanisms.

It has also advised them to ensure that personnel involved in content creation and publishing are adequately sensitised to the provisions of the IT Act, the rules framed under it and other applicable laws.

Workshops, training programmes and sensitisation sessions have been encouraged as part of these efforts.